Millcreek Canyon near my home is the site of several day camps for young Cub Scouts (ages 8 to 12) during the summer months. These camps have various themes and names like “Frontier Fort”, “Galaxy Wars”, and “King Arthur’s Castle” to appeal to the young attendees. I vividly remember how exciting it was to attend some of these camps when I was young. As I drove up the canyon one morning, I saw several older boy scouts dressed in their tan uniforms, acting as crossing guards to help the young cubs from the parking lot to the day camps across the canyon road. They waved their orange flags proudly as they stopped traffic and directed the boys across the street safely. I saw what I am sure was admiration on the faces of some of the cubs, as they followed the directions from the older boys. I was impressed by the older scouts in the way they assisted and directed the younger ones, thus completing their assignment.
This article is about authority, specifically when and how to use it. If you are like me, you like being “in charge”. It feels good to be the one that people look to in order to make sure that things are done correctly and effectively. I love being able to guide, direct, and lead a team toward success whenever I have an opportunity. If you want to be successful in the business world, leadership is a skill that you should strive to develop. This does not mean that you have to be the CEO or a manager to be successful, but at some point in your career you will be asked to take charge of a team, or initiative to accomplish a specific goal. You do not need to look very far to find examples of great leaders (or poor leaders for that matter). Effective leadership is the subject of hundreds of thousands of books, articles, audiobooks, podcasts, and seminars. There are several “styles” and approaches to leadership, it is important to find one that works for you, and that fits your personality.
The main point that I want to make in this article is the importance of humility when you take on a position of authority. There can be a tendency for both men and women to let a little bit of “power” go straight to your head. As a leader it is tempting to appreciate your own role over the roles of those on your team. It may be easy to forget the importance of those people who carry out the more routine, or menial tasks needed to accomplish the goals for your organization or initiative. Whatever leadership “style” you choose, remember that you are no better than each of the members of your team. You cannot complete your very important role without the support of everyone around you. In my own experience, I have considered my leadership roles the most successful when I have involved each member of the team in planning, decision-making, and execution whenever practical.
So, you might be the “hotshot” that the corporate team put in charge of personally organizing the company softball team, or Fourth of July picnic… good for you! You probably deserve it. Please try to stay humble, and don’t let all that power go to your head.
Have you ever worked with someone who valued their leadership role entirely too much?
What other principles or ideas have you found important when you have been in charge of a project, or a team?
Do you have any good memories from Cub Scout camp when you were young?
business confab 