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Is the Path to Exceptional Leadership Roadblocked?
June 22, 2009
With many corporate leaders today just happy to regain their footing in the wake of the financial disaster, making bounding leaps ahead is unthinkable. But the road to leadership excellence is still viable, at least according to Michael Schutzler, author of "Inspiring Excellence—A Path to Exceptional Leadership."
The one stipulation? It'll take some work. "Leadership isn't something you get with a title or a job," says Schutzler. "Leadership is a relationship."
The author takes the case of NFL star Michael Vick's rehabilitation following dog fighting charges as a prime example. The quarterback will have to make good with his teammates, fans, and coaches to regain his leadership role, says Schutzler. "After being humbled by his conviction and bankruptcy," he says, "returning to a leadership role will require tapping that new reservoir of humility for years to come."
Schutzler says he believes leadership is a learned behavior.
"If you WANT to lead well, then you must PRACTICE the skills," he says. "It's clear Michael Vick has a natural desire to lead. The difference between great leaders and the rest is placing a higher value on those whom you motivate and inspire than on yourself. To date, Michael has learned much about power—both good and bad—but he has not had much opportunity to learn about leadership."
Schutzler says his view of leadership is different from that of many academics and executive coaches. His approach, which he describes as "pragmatic," includes these guiding philosophies:
• Leadership isn't a character trait. It's a learned behavior.
• There are only four essential skills—listening, storytelling, negotiating, and assessing people—each easily practiced.
• Those four skills serve as the foundation for successfully attracting talent, reaching consensus, making tough choices, and harnessing ambition.
• Deliberate practice of these skills and functions is already exceptional leadership.
• Good judgment is a key ingredient in exceptional leadership, but it isn't something that happens on its own.
"More than anything, good judgment comes from listening," says Schutzler. "I don't mean hearing well. I mean putting down your opinions, your wants, your concerns, and paying close attention to the situation or person you are assessing. When you do that, you often face deep doubt. That doubt held at bay with a fear of failure leads to bravado and leads to poor judgment. But when that doubt is observed and embraced it becomes your source of greatness. Once Michael Vick fully accepts responsibility for his behavior and acknowledges that the role of quarterback is a privilege given by his coaches, teammates and fans, he takes the first step on a path to leadership excellence."
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