By Rob Marchalonis.

As I work with top leaders, I find that their role is often different than what others may think.  Which of the “three legs of leadership” are you experiencing right now?

Perks

From the outside, it may look like being the leader is quite glamorous with lots of benefits, attention, and perks.  Images of smiling leaders in the news help perpetuate this belief.  In my opinion, it’s good that leadership comes with some advantages, because otherwise who would ever deal with the other parts of the job?  Yes, it’s true that many leaders enjoy significant benefits but only about 1/3 of the time in my experience.

Pain

Being successful as a leader takes a lot of hard work.  And much of this work happens well in advance of whatever good results may come later.  Almost every successful initiative is burdened with tough decisions, unknown risks, delays, setbacks, surprises, hurdles, and worse.  Achieving results often requires tireless persistence and patience.  Thankfully, strong leaders are able to envision a better future, formulate a plan of attack, overcome many challenges and obstacles, and endure the painful process of achieving success.

Prostration

Leadership is rarely a solo play.  Rather, it’s a highly relational activity that involves customers, employees, investors, suppliers, community, and others who each have unique wants and needs.  As a result, leaders must frequently adjust, adapt, and concede to the wishes and expectations of various stakeholder groups.  Most leaders spend more time than most can imagine figuratively “flat on the ground face downward in submission” to service and meet the expectations of stakeholders.  Being a successful leader often requires prostrate-like humility, so that others may be honored and benefit.

Rob Marchalonis (Rob@LSP123.com) helps business owners and leaders increase employee productivity and morale with various leadership, strategy, and process solutions. Message Rob on LinkedIn.

More Business Advice

Business owners, employers, and leaders can sharpen their skills with the content below.

Stuck in the Middle

Stuck in the Middle

Tips for Leaders to Facilitate Conflict Resolution by Rob Marchalonis. Ever find yourself in the middle, between employees or associates who disagree or have conflict? Like good parents and counselors, leaders can play an important role in facilitating communication,...

Sleepless Nights

Sleepless Nights

How I Settle My Mind to Get Needed Rest by Rob Marchalonis. I confess, some of my most difficult times as a leader have been in the middle of the night. Can you relate? As a younger leader, I would often lay awake in bed for minutes (or hours) during the quiet...

Leading Through Crisis

Leading Through Crisis

12 Steps to Guide Your Response by Rob Marchalonis. If you are a leader, it’s almost certain you will eventually have to lead through a crisis. The types of crises can vary, but consider those caused by natural disasters, economic circumstances, health concerns,...

Game Play Mimics Business

Game Play Mimics Business

A Fun Way to Multiply Your Results by Rob Marchalonis. Have you played a new app or board game lately? How did it go? Did you feel somewhat confused as you learned the rules and how to “play” the game? Business leaders can learn a lot from gameplay, especially by...

Good People, Bad Decisions

Good People, Bad Decisions

Ways to Understand and Guide Better Decision Making by Rob Marchalonis My education, experience, and faith have taught me that every person has amazing potential for “good”. In general, I think positively about others and believe that most are well-intended. Would you...

Productivity Plan Overview

Productivity Plan Overview

When I work with business owners and leaders to improve organizational performance, there are almost always opportunities to improve workgroup productivity and results. Among the many ways to accomplish this, one simple approach is to start with the four "P”s: Purpose...

Idea, Hobby, or Business?

Idea, Hobby, or Business?

Questions to Evolve a Great Idea into a Legacy Business. by Rob Marchalonis What’s the Goal for Your Big Idea? Clients, friends, family, and others regularly share their business ideas with me. Usually, the ideas are exchanged in casual conversation to get a first...

Subscribe for Updates & Resources

14 + 14 =