Comments on: Great Leaders are Great Stewards

By: Ade McCormack

Ade McCormack — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 22:34:41 +0000

I am in full agreement with your sentiments in respect of what makes a great leader. The leaders we read about in the press are by nature attention seekers. The model being that the leader espouses the values of the organisation they head. They are media savvy and getting positive column inches is part of the remit. Some CxOs fall into the belief that they are celebrities and so become more focused on the external nature of their role than the internal leadership elements. Possibly the king makers need to rethink the job specification in respect of ‘leader as media magnet’.

The reporting requirements of most big organisations encourages a ‘results by quarter end’ mindset. Not only does this discourage strategic thinking it encourages the CEO to focus on ‘quick wins’ in terms of company performance. He or she is thus more likely to trade the needs of their people for the needs of the shareholders. Some might argue that this is rightly so. But it is a high risk approach, particularly if such an approach leads to key staff exiting the organisation (shortly followed by the so called leader).

For me stewardship is thinking beyond one’s own ego. To be quietly focused on initiatives today that will benefit the organisation in the future, perhaps beyond their tenure. A subsequent leader will enjoy the benefits of this effort. But a true leader knows that and takes quiet satisfaction regardless of who takes the glory.

By: Scott

Scott — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 12:39:13 +0000

All great ideas … I just with they were applied where I work. :-<

By: David Zinger

David Zinger — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 11:36:23 +0000

I appreciated both the post and the comments…looks to me like we have some good stewarts here.

By: Jennifer

Jennifer — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 03:11:24 +0000

It all boils down to respect and humility. If you think life is all about you then you will never be successful at mangaging or understanding what life is about. When you realize it’s not about you, then you will be a great leader. The right attitude and motivation has to be there.

By: Miki

Miki — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 23:55:01 +0000

Great advice never dies. I heard this nearly 30 years ago from one of the best executives I’ve ever know.

He said, “The way to make decisions is first for the sake of your company, second for the sake of your group, and third for the sake of yourself.”

Seems as if today’s execs have it a– backwards:)

By: Michelle

Michelle — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 18:51:42 +0000

That’s the advice every manager shoulc be given in the beginning. This article hit the nail on the head!