You see it on the playground --
the loudest kid,
the biggest kid,
the belligerent kid,
gets everyone to do her bidding.
Her games get played.
Her ideas are not questioned.
Later in life,
we mistake these
playground antics
for leadership.
But, leadership is not
bullying,
having the last word,
exerting power over others,
or
getting people to do what you want.
Leadership is
partnering,
listening,
guiding others to use their power,
helping people do their best work.
The hard work of leadership
takes much more
mental,
emotional,
physical
investment
than
being the loudest
on the playground.
We have a choice:
do the work,
hold other leaders accountable,
or stay in the sandbox.