I fish as often as I can – mostly on the scenic Harpeth River or Sycamore Creek – both near my home in Ashland City. I sat recently and watched a covey of field birds move in unison…one bird taking the temporary lead…and then handing it off to another. When one bird moved to a new direction, based upon some stimulus, all of the other birds followed. I wondered what made the difference between those birds, just swapping leadership roles based upon outside stimulus, and us – people; responding to outside stimulus, moving when all of the other birds move, and happy to follow whoever decides to move in a new direction first.
I think the answer is — “Cause”. Leadership studies talk a lot about vision; providing direction for people who otherwise don’t have a clue where to go. I don’t believe that is what happens in true leadership. I see leadership as a joining of likemindedness; a strand of purpose; joining a mutual cause. One person’s gifts may be to articulate the vision with beautiful rhetoric, while another’s is to provide pragmatic service. Both are part of the leadership strand. The level of commitment to this vision, and the visibility of the risk associated with it, normally set aside a single person as “the leader”. In reality, it is a continuum of agreement and a strand of purpose that creates the leadership opportunity. By mutual agreement of all participants in the strand, the purpose is fulfilled. When a break occurs, damage results of some form.
Most all people seek a “cause”; a meaning and a purpose that extends beyond themselves. Only the downtrodden and suppressed in life don’t stare up at the stars at night every now and then and hope for better things. More meaningful work. Deeper relationships. Broader opportunity. Leaders take these dreams and move them into language…a language that attracts others and resonates with their own aspirations and hopes. Be-Cause.
strandtheory
