Jennifer, thank you for this post. As much as I want to support what you have to say (or, at least, the reasons we might say something like this), I keep thinking to myself our saying it doesn’t make it so, even if everybody is saying it. By propagating this kind of belief system under the cloak of leadership (i.e., the leader is the keeper of the vision flame), we lend credibility to it and, over time, we make it an acceptable outcome. Worse still, taking a marketing approach to leadership cheapens its very heart and soul by relegating the people we serve into mere objects (e.g., a talent to manage, a human resource, a constituent, a voter, a student, or an employee) and the means to an end (e.g., glory, fame, power, and profits). The people deserve so much better. I think this is what Stan Faryna is wisely trying to help us understand.

When we come together to speak of vision, I’m generally left with the impression we are afraid to speak truth. When that happens, we leave too many important things unsaid, largely because we fail to honor those we purport to serve. Leadership, as you mention, is a privilege, a great privilege bestowed by the people (that’s why our engagement in this discussion is so vital). Among those so privileged, I hope we can agree few there are who truly can be called a visionary leader. We know them, not because of what they have to say as they unpack their ‘compelling’ vision but, rather, by what they do, and all of them DO the same thing: instead of bringing a vision to the people, they uncover the people’s vision and bring IT to life. Said differently, what sets the leader apart is their willingness to sacrifice everything to help bring clarity to the people’s vision. Everything.

I think we would agree authentic leadership at any level involves sacrifice; it may involve suffering. In truth, the only real reason to lead is because you can do something for those who have chosen to follow you. Let me say that in other terms: leadership is not about leading, it’s about being followed. As long as the people believe in you, and you are the best one to lead them, you are their leader. When our gifts are no longer needed, the people call on another to lead them. It’s nothing personal. People follow those who satisfy their imminent needs (e.g., a warrior, a peacemaker, a healer, an orator). Pure and simple. And we fool ourselves to think the peoples’ needs can be conveniently tied to a calendar, a contract, or a political process. The people do not hire or appoint leaders; they follow them. This is important to remember. Whether 7 years old or 77 years old, leaders are chosen by those who would follow them. Of course, self-proclaimed leaders far too comfortable with the status quo (provided it meet their needs) who fail to see the Beauty in service, community, compassion, and love, seem to think leadership is necessary because the people lack vision and, as such, it is their obligation (perhaps, destiny) to give them one.

Nothing could be further from truth. The people see through this vain glory, and they realize those who are busy unpacking their compelling vision are not leading, they are selling. Sadly, such ‘leaders’ are so busy looking past those they purport to serve/lead, they are seemingly unaware leadership is clearly beyond their reach. As mentioned above, no one can lead if no one follows. Moreover, no one can lead if they fail to put the people first, because they won’t be followed. Let’s ask ourselves, how many of the ‘leaders’ we know today are willing to sacrifice their small coaching business, their seminar revenue streams, their position at the top of a hi-rise hierarchy, their portfolios or profits, their ‘future,’ or their life for the good of the people? Probably none of them, right? Have we thought about why? Is it, as Stan points out, because they typically are self-absorbed and largely focused on ‘me’ rather than ‘we?’ There’s an easy way to find out: are the people expected to make sacrifices for the good of the company/organization or vice versa? Ironic, isn’t it? Sad, too. But it doesn't have to be this way. The LCG, for example, can be a guiding light that helps set the record straight by turning the present-day paradigm of leadership on its head, quite literally, if we can find the good courage to break free of the inertia that binds us to the status quo.

In simplest terms, Jennifer, if it is clarity we seek, may I suggest we forget what the gurus say and ask the people what they want to say. Again, thank you for raising this issue and encouraging an important dialogue.