Why ‘Leader’ is misleading

It occurs to me that the term ‘leader’ is one of those terms that is bandied about with a plethora of different interpretations. So I looked up a few meanings in ‘Word’ (yeah I know it isn’t very extensive research but…) here’s what I got.

• Somebody in charge of others
• Somebody whom people follow
• Musical conductor
• Line at the end of fishing line
• Guide in printed matter

Of all of those the only one that really excites me is ‘Musical Conductor’. Here’s why.

I reckon the role of a leader has changed. It is no longer effective to rally the troupes and expect them to follow you as you head off into the wilderness with your blunderbuss in one hand and a machete in the other. Especially when it comes to working with creative people. A great leader inspires his people, gives them direction and lets them blaze the trail. It’s like a being the inspiration leader of a professional sports team. The leader doesn’t get on the field with the team; instead they set the game plan and let the players fight it out, and then point them in the right direction every so often if they need it.

For me, a great leader of creatives is one who is prepared to let creative people do their thing, who understands them, who knows they are motivated by different things, who knows how and when to turn on and off the creative controls, and who knows how to get the very best from creative people while directing their talents and genius towards successful business outcomes.

So perhaps we should change the word ‘lead’ to ‘nurture’ or ‘empower’ or ‘to be guardian of’.

And perhaps we should change the term ‘leader’ to ‘Creative Conductor’.

Comments

[Bev Wilson]

Interesting perspective, if you consider the "coach" to be the leader. However, I see the leader as better identified in the team captain. He IS on the field, leading the team in their battle for supremacy, following the game plan set by the coach and implementing creative opportunities to involve the talent of team players. Leadership, to me, is the demonstration of intimate knowledge of the goal plan combined with intimate knowledge of the depth of talent within individuals that make up the team and involving that talent in a way that seduces co-operation to achieve a pre-determined outcome.

I am interested in other views on this discussion starter.

[Saadi]

How about calling it invisible leadership.

[Nigel Collin]

Hi Saadi - Nice idea