Superior leadership

Being an effective leader is never as easy as it appears. Just like being a manager, it’s all about making people work together towards accomplishing a goal and very few men or women called to carry-out that mission have either the talent, the touch, the intelligence and the drive to make it all gel. I’m writing this piece with Obama’s in mind, but I think that my observations can apply to any domain and any walk of life. Making individuals who can’t agree on anything work on legislation, on compromises and on creating something much bigger than them, demands from a leader an incredible amount of knowledge, patience, hard work and creativity at pulling all the strings that may be available. Is this a bit like the seemingly impossible task of “herding cats?” Quite probably, but this is where the reviled term of “manipulation” can be used for its best purpose. The superior leader is strong enough to stay humble, is able to lay low when it’s the most desirable course of action and is trained to distribute compliments, praise and credit liberally. This is the ultimate band leader; except that he doesn’t necessary stand front and center to assume the role of prima Donna. The superior leader senses the chemistry that emanates from his team and his organization; he always makes sure he can use it synergistically to attain his goals and fulfill his agenda. He never has to “butt head” with others, but see beyond differences of opinion and always look for that bit of common ground from where bridges can be anchored. He always have in his own mind’s eye a constantly unfolding plan that span over a long time frame and leverage every single moment, every talent and all the available energy to fulfill it. Does that view agree with your own concept of leadership?