Guest Commentary From Dick Cross: Leadership Is An 'Inside Job' - aftermarketNews

Guest Commentary From Dick Cross: Leadership Is An ‘Inside Job’

Over the past decade, a single topic has dominated the shelves where business books are sold. It's leadership. But has it done any good?

Over the past decade, a single topic has dominated the shelves where business books are sold. It’s leadership.
 
But has it done any good?
 
My hunch: likely not as much as we’d hope, and maybe as much harm as good. Because leadership isn’t something your can “learn” like golf. It’s not a new outfit you can put on. Or even new words and practices you adopt and use – because they’re what others who’ve been successful use.
 
“How to” prescriptions for leadership divert attention away from the seed at its core.
 
That’s because leadership is an “inside job.” It’s not about how you act, what you say or what you know. Nor is it about how the sum of those appearances plays on the outside. Rather, it’s about who you are. – on the inside.
 
Great leaders come in all kinds of wrappings. With the most effective often appearing like the least. With most never having read any of the “Keys to Leadership Success” drivel. For the best, it’s not learned. It’s felt. It’s not added on. It’s already there.
 
Take Lawrence Joshua Chamberlain, one of the most celebrated heroes of the Civil War, who defended Little Round Top at Gettysburg, with a hopelessly outnumbered force of Mainers, turning the tide of the battle and winning the Congressional Medal of Honor. A soft-spoken and studious college professor with no prior military experience. One of the least likely.
 
Or, more recently, Russell Wilson. Seattle Seahawks rookie quarterback, drafted as a backup, who has raised the spirit of the entire Seattle organization to new heights. In the locker room and on the field. A humble, reserved young man, who refuses interviews without a coat and tie. Already with the followership of a hall of famer.
 
How did they do it?
 
It’s because of who they are. Anchored in a rock-solid internal sense of duty, with an obsession to live up to it. Putting everything else secondary to their destiny and their fundamental allegiance to what they believe is right.
 
You can get there too.
 
It may require sacrifice. Of time and mind space. But, if you care enough about being great at what you do – leading your organization from your Job At The Top to greatness, you won’t be able to put that intention in second place.
 

You May Also Like

Time to Hit the Road

Outgoing AMN Editor Amy Antenora reflects on her time covering the automotive aftermarket.

Amy Antenora aftermarket news

Twenty years. That’s more than 5,000 business days, roughly 15 AAPEX shows (for me, at least), more than 400 executive interviews and who knows how many article posts.

That’s what my time here at Babcox Media, as Editor of aftermarketNews, looks like in black and white numbers. But that’s not the real measure of what I’ve accumulated over 20 years’ time.

‘The Aftermarket Should Not Fear the Future’

Paul McCarthy flipped the script on vehicle technology and its potential impact on the automotive aftermarket.

The Challenge of Organizational Culture, Post-Covid

The impact of Covid on our society and organizations will not be fully understood for many years.

Four Keys to Creating a Succession Plan That Works

Do you have a plan in place to ensure your business maintains its success after you leave?

Commentary: The Power of Team Spirit

Dr. John A Passante & Dr. Thomas Litzinger share their thoughts on the multiplying benefits of adopting a team spirit.

Other Posts

As Cars Keep Aging, What Will The Future Look Like?

The big issue for the next 22 years is how sensors and software that make driving safer impact vehicle serviceability.

Parts and Artificial Intelligence

In the past 25 years, things have changed with the Internet.

The Mission of Leadership is to Build a Learning Organization

Does your organization make space and time for groundbreaking ideas, innovation and inspiration?

Business Remains a Shared Experience

Relationships, facts, clear consistent communication and guidance are critical touchpoints with employees and customers.