Company Blog

Do Your People Think You’re a Leader?

by Adam Zack — July 20, 2022

“Give them the opportunity to speak what’s on their mind.”

IF YOUR ACTIONS INSPIRE OTHERS TO DREAM MORE, LEARN MORE, DO MORE AND BECOME MORE, YOU ARE A LEADER.

John Quincy Adams

My mom sent me this quote last week and of course, when your mom sends you something, you read it closely and think about it. I’ve written ad nauseum about leadership and how important the captain of the boat is to the success of the mission. Your people are your propellers, your rudders, your sails and without them the boat goes nowhere even with the best of captains. It made me think that if any of us leaders asked our crew what they thought of our leadership skills, what would they say? And would they be honest with us? Leadership roles and titles automatically come with some intimidation. Who wants to piss off the boss? Who thinks the boss really doesn’t give a flying frick what they say? John Quincy Adams was president of the United States from 1825-1829. It’s hard to believe that words that are 200 years old can be as relevant today (if not more relevant) than they were then. So take a look around you. Are your actions inspiring your team to become more, or is the boat just floating and drifting aimlessly with the currents?