Leadership is not for the faint of heart; it’s a path that demands resilience, vision, and an unshakable commitment to what’s right. Whether you’re leading a company, a family, or even a community, leadership calls for sacrifices, hard decisions, and at times, a lonely journey—especially when you’re the only one carrying the torch of your vision.
But this article isn’t just for corporate leaders—it’s for everyone. Leadership touches every corner of our lives, from the family unit to our social spheres. It’s crucial in shaping the outcomes we desire.
Let’s look at a few examples from past reality television—these shows may seem filled with drama, but they often serve as a mirror to our society’s leadership (or lack thereof). Shows like Supernanny, Nanny 911, and Honey, You’re Killing the Kids all highlight one common thread: the absence of strong leadership within families. When parents neglect to take responsibility for their children’s well-being, it often requires professional intervention to restore order.
Take, for example, a heartbreaking case from the UK: A mother nearly lost custody of her 10-year-old son due to his severe obesity. His life was at risk, and it all stemmed from a lack of leadership in his household. That failure to lead had grave consequences.
Good Intentions Aren’t Enough
Here’s an important point: Intentions, no matter how noble, do not automatically make you a great leader. Leadership is about unwavering commitment to principles and vision, even when the road ahead is fraught with challenges and criticism.
Consider the case of a school board in Quebec, Canada, that implemented a bold move to ban cell phones and electronic devices during school hours. These devices were distractions, tools for cheating, and breeding grounds for cyberbullying. The decision was met with backlash from students and parents, but it was an example of effective leadership. The board took a firm stand on principle, knowing it was in the best interest of the students, even though the consequences weren’t popular.
Having served on a school board myself, I’ve witnessed firsthand how weak leadership can damage families. In one situation, custody of two troubled children was transferred to their grandparents. The result? The children went from being disruptive students to top performers. The difference? The leadership example their grandparents set—strong, loving, and unyielding.
Leadership Is About Vision, Not Ego
Years ago, I was called in to mediate a conflict between a credit union board and its long-standing general manager. The issue was clear: The board lacked leadership. They avoided difficult decisions and sought to be liked rather than respected. This failure to lead held the organization back and left the general manager frustrated.
In a one-day workshop using our Personal Style Indicator and Credibility Models, we helped the board see their shortcomings and shift their leadership approach. Leadership isn’t about pleasing others; it’s about fulfilling the vision, no matter the challenges. As Jim Collins wisely said, “Great leadership, in business or personal life, is unwavering in its commitment to the goal, not the ego of the leaders.”
Leaders Aren’t Afraid of Facing Hard Truths
Leadership means facing the hard truths, especially when they’re inconvenient or uncomfortable. For example, research shows that more than half of North American children are obese, yet fewer than 20% of their parents recognize the severity of the problem. Parents who avoid facing this reality, through lack of leadership, are compromising their children’s health and future.
Just like the credit union board, leaders must confront reality. When they fail to do so, they risk letting their organizations—or in the case of parents, their children—drift into harm.
The True Test of Leadership
True leadership isn’t about avoiding criticism or steering clear of difficult conversations. It’s about sticking to your principles and vision, even when those around you don’t agree. Since I purchased my company, Consulting Resource Group (CRG), I’ve faced opposition to my vision and direction countless times. Though I listen to the counsel of trusted advisors, ultimately, it’s my values and vision that guide the decisions I make for the company. I’ve learned that sometimes, you must hold steady in your course, regardless of dissenting voices.
If you’ve never received any negative feedback about your leadership—whether as a parent, business owner, or community leader—maybe it’s time to question whether you’re truly leading or just going along with the flow. Leadership often requires stepping into uncharted waters, taking risks, and facing criticism head-on. If you haven’t experienced these things, it could be a sign that you’re not yet fully committed to your vision.
Leadership is a Journey
Leadership isn’t easy. It’s a journey that often requires sacrifice, persistence, and a willingness to face uncomfortable truths. Whether in business or in your personal life, effective leadership requires making decisions based on principles and vision, not on popularity or comfort.
Take a moment to reflect: Are you truly leading in your own life? Are you willing to step up and make the tough decisions, even when they aren’t popular? If not, it’s time to make the changes necessary to become the leader you were meant to be. Leadership is about vision, purpose, and the courage to move forward, no matter the obstacles.
Until next time, Keep Living On Purpose!