There are some people who get to the top and think they have simply made it – that there is nowhere else to go and nothing else to learn. These people are so busy patting themselves on the back that they fail to see that others are climbing above them. But one thing is certain: you’re never to great a leader to learn to be a better one. In this article from the Eagle Tribune by Al Getler, we learn from one of the best examples of successful leadership: Southwest Airlines CEO Gary Kelly.
You’re Never to Great a Leader to Learn to Be a Better One
Learning how to lead or improve leadership skills tends to be beneath some people in today’s corporate, government and nonprofit worlds. Taking time to look at your own leadership skills is probably something you haven’t done in a while, if ever.
When I suggest that you take a look at your leadership skills, I am not concerned where you are in the hierarchy of your organization. You may be the president and CEO or you may be the person who started with your organization last month. No matter where you are in the organization, you can be a leader and you can improve your leadership skills.
Leaders are not always paid for their skills. I have coached my daughter’s soccer team for several years. In that organization, I am not the leader. I am one of many coaches who depend on the volunteer leadership of the soccer organization.
The soccer program runs very well, and each game goes off without a problem. That requires strong leadership and solid organizational skills. The people providing that leadership are not paid; they are volunteers and the program is run as well as any for-profit company.
If you have ever been a member of a volunteer organization that does not have strong leadership, then you know how easily an organization can get off track.
Poor leadership at work can be one of life’s most stressful and difficult challenges. So much of our time is spent working. If that work involves working with a leader who doesn’t motivate you and doesn’t provide direction, then you probably go home pretty miserable each day.
When one of the most successful CEOs in the world tells you that you’re never to great a leader to learn to be a better one, you should take heed and learn from the best. Never stop growing or trying and you will never stop becoming a better leader.
