I am often asked by my students about what makes a good leader. I am not sure that I know the answer to that question, but I always answer the question with another question. The question is: What makes someone legendary? We all have examples of leaders in sports such as Michael Jordon and Babe Ruth. Business has recently had leaders such as Bill Gates, Steve Jobs, and Jack Welsh. Students always give the same type of answers, “these are people we look up to and admire.” “They are people that are well known.” I tell them that great leaders always do what is hard to do. They continually look for all the right answers and not just the first right answer. They have the ability to inspire others.
What Does Legendary Mean?
I tell them that being a legendary leader means all those things and something else. That something else is the stories that others tell about you. In order to become legendary, people must tell stories about you. What you remember about sports figures and business leaders comes from the stories that others tell about them. The stories include how they inspired others and the difficulties that they faced and how they have overcome them. The stories include tales of hard work and the difficult decisions they were required to make. The stories paint a picture of how these legends affected our lives. Lately, I have not heard of many stories of legendary people. Why aren’t people telling stories of legendary leaders? Do we not have enough leaders that want to be legendary?
Do you want to be legendary? What stories would people tell about you? Is that the story you want them to tell? Remember, true leadership is not an entitlement, it is forged in courage. Legends are made by the courage they show regardless of the circumstances. When you are making decisions as a leader, consider that someone is going to tell your story. Make sure that the story is one that you would be proud for others to hear.
As an agency owner you are a leader, not just an employer or even a friend. One piece of advice that we offer each of our clients is to “Run your business like you are selling it tomorrow”.
