Summary

The article emphasizes that the title of "leader" should be earned through decisive action, vision, and the ability to inspire, rather than being self-appointed or based on position alone.

Abstract

In a challenging era for leadership, the article argues that true leaders are those who can navigate uncertainty, take responsibility, and articulate a clear vision for the future. It suggests that leadership is not about titles or ranks but about behavior and the ability to collaborate and say no when necessary. Leaders must focus on the "why" behind actions, not just the "what," and their role is to inspire and empower others. The article also distinguishes between leaders and managers, noting that leadership is a privilege earned through positive actions and a commitment to the collective good. It calls for a reevaluation of who is deemed a leader, advocating for the recognition of those who genuinely lead and make a difference.

Opinions

Leadership today requires the ability to cut through ambiguity and share a vision that alleviates fear and unites people towards a common goal.
The term "leader" should be reserved for individuals who act decisively under pressure and take extreme ownership, rather than trying to please everyone.
Leaders must know when to say no in order to focus on the most important aspects of their role, such as collaboration, which enhances leadership effectiveness.
True leadership is demonstrated through actions and "collaborative action," independent of one's rank or title.
Leadership is about inspiring others to dream, learn, and become more, rather than merely managing tasks.
Authentic leaders are driven by a noble calling and are sought after by courageous followers who value genuineness over charisma.
The article suggests that many who attain leadership positions falsely may cling to the title without continuing to lead effectively.
Leadership is a privilege that comes with the responsibility of positive actions for the collective benefit, and it is not synonymous with creative or entrepreneurial skills, although these are important for sustainable success.
Great leaders instill hope and empower their followers to achieve the seemingly impossible, while also caring for their people's welfare.
The article concludes by urging society to only recognize as leaders those who truly lead and to dismiss those who are merely imposters.

LEADERSHIP

Can We Just Stop Calling Imposters Leaders

Let’s stop labeling people as leaders until they earn it

Today is one of the most difficult times to lead a group, a company, a country. Make no mistake about it.

Leaders have to slice through the fog of uncertainty, embrace ambiguity, and share a vision of tomorrow. A vision to diminish fears so that we can move towards the desired future together. They take “extreme ownership”, a vocation of responsibility for others (Naveen, 2020).

The title “leader” should only be reserved for those who are willing to act decisively, despite limited information, exhibiting authority under extreme pressure rather than trying to please everyone.

According to Bill Abbate, leaders know how to say ‘no’. By saying no a leader is choosing to focus on the more important aspects of the business. Things like collaboration. Arthur, a thought leader in this space, said that collaboration raises “your leadership game.”

True leaders are not people-pleasers, but their actions often has that effect by default.

Leadership is grounded in behavior and “collaborative action”, completely independent of rank (Hernandez, 2020). You don’t need stripes to be a leader.

Title

Just because someone has a top-floor office with all the frills or a fancy title, does not mean that they are leading.

The title “leader” is one that’s earned, not taken. In fact, the purest form of leadership is granted by the people who follow. Followers validate a leader more than any promotion or appointment ever will.

Leadership is about the why not the what.

Leaders “Start with why” (Sinek, 2009). Managers understand and deliver the “what” but leaders have a deeper appreciation of the “why” and communicate this through their vision, by their actions.

Management and leadership complement each other, but no more than that.

“If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.”

— John Quincy Adams

Being a leader is an attractive aspiration. It’s such a seductive title that many who falsely attain it will do anything to retain it — its hard to let it go. At this moment in time, they cease to lead, they are no longer a leader.

The best followers are not seduced by the charismatic rhetoric dished out by a so-called leader desperately trying to hold on to power. Courageous followers seek authenticity.

“Authentic leaders are those who are consumed by a noble calling.” — Dr. David Martin

Future Thoughts

We will not build a new tomorrow unless we stop calling people leaders when they fail miserably to lead. Directors, executives, presidents, senior officials, supervisors, or managers, call them what you like, but don’t call them a “leader” until they earn it.

Remember, leadership is a privilege, it’s an assignment that happens to have a title, but most of all it is earned through positive actions for the benefit of the collective.

Moreover, “it has been proven that a person can be creative and entrepreneurial at the same time. Both are essential for sustainable success” for the leaders of tomorrow (Yildiz, 2020).

“Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.”

— Ralph Waldo Emerson

Leaders instill hope for success in others, underpinned by a belief in themselves. Great leadership empowers followers to accomplish the impossible. They know their “people and look out for their welfare” (Mansfield, 2020).

So let’s cut through the fog and only follow those who actually lead, forget the rest because they’re nothing more than imposters.

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