From the world's poorest communities to its largest corporations, the authors claim that ambitious people struggle with the same basic challenge - namely, how to gain the strengths and insight not just to manage, but to lead.
Having worked with hundreds of leaders across the world, the authors found one very clear pattern. When it comes to meeting their leadership potential, many people unintentionally get in their own way. They identified five specific barriers that typically stop promising managers becoming effective leaders.
The five barriers people put in their own way
- Over-emphasising Personal Goals
Instead of focusing on your own welfare, reach out to support the members of your team - Protecting your Public Image
Rather than thinking of how others see you (intelligent, likeable, powerful), empower others. Be a leader instead of impersonating one! - Turning Competitors into Enemies
Your instinct may be to demonise those you don't get along with, but humanising them will turn them into allies - Going it Alone
The road to leadership can be challenging, so surround yourself with trusted people to offer perspective and give you thoughtful advice - Waiting for Permission
Don't patiently wait for formal authority to make positive changes. Start now.
Are you holding yourself back?
Where the answers to the questions under each barrier heading are mostly 'no', then the authors suggest you may be getting in your own way.
Over-emphasising personal goals
- Do you spend most of your time as a manager thinking about what other people in the organisation need to succeed?
- Does the 'best version' of your team show up in your presence?
- Does their best version endure in your absence?
Protecting your public image
- Are you willing to be seen not to know and to take risks in order to learn new things?
- Have you been willing to 'look bad' in the service of your team or organisation?
- Do you explicitly model the attitudes and behaviours you want others to adopt?
Turning competitors into enemies
- Is it rare for you to feel defensive, insecure or judgemental?
- Is it rare for people to feel defensive, insecure or judgemental around you?
- Is your environment generally free of people you don't like to be around?
Going it alone
- Do you have a core group of people who help you make important decisions?
- Do you have people around you who can handle both your audacity and your insecurities?
- Do the most important people in your life participate in your leadership dreams?
Waiting for permission
- Is it possible to make a difference from your current position?
- Do you have control over when you'll be able to have a meaningful impact?
- Could you become a leader before other people see you as one?
"Never look down on anybody unless you're helping them up"Rev. Jesse Jackson