How Leaders are Chosen pt. 1

In regards to the shift of power within an organization or small group, leadership can be a tricky thing. When handled correctly, the passing of the torch can be almost seamless and accepted by the majority of the group involved. Incorrectly, this can lead to doubt, confusion, and mistrust.

Maybe you want to be a leader within your organization, but don't know how you can set yourself apart. At that point, you have completed the first step to getting ahead in your company: wanting it. It seems simple, but many people look back on their career and wish that they had gone for a promotion here and a job opportunity there. By then, it's too late. They didn't want it. 

Once you are in a position where you want that position of leadership, you are then faced with two choices: keep up what you're doing or change. Change should always be your choice. If you were good enough in your current position to warrant a new role as leader, you wouldn't want it. You would expect it. If you truly desire to reach the next step, you're going to have to change up your tactics. Adapt, or die. 

For some people, leadership comes easy. They might be naturally outgoing and transparent about their accomplishments. Just liking a person makes them a great candidate for leadership. It may seem superficial, but being likeable is a major trait in any business.

Let's say I'm the CEO of a shoe company. I need to hire someone to oversee 35 employees in a new factory I'm opening. I'm promoting from within and notice that Bill is very good at what he does. He meets all of his quotas and always goes the extra mile. Unfortunately, Bill doesn't get along with any of the staff because he is irritable and pompous.

He may want it, but he is not willing to change. He is also not likeable, maybe even to me. I don't want him as a manager because it's just going to cause resentment from the staff, a headache that I will eventually have to deal with. Bill is going to lose out to Joe, the employee that puts out good, if not great, numbers and gets along with everyone. 

Still, there are more factors that come into play. Part 2 on May 25th. 

Jon Negroni is the Director of Public Relations, Promotion, and Marketing at Richter10.2 Media Group. For more information regarding Richter10.2, check out our introduction video here.