One of the Biggest Leadership Myths: It’s Lonely at the Top

Whatever you can do or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it!

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

There are a lot of people who shy away from pursuing a leadership role since they have the perception that leaders end up on an island all on their own. They think that a leadership role means that you have to have all the answers. People think that being a leader means that you always have to be perfect. The belief is that leaders are high up, and, therefore, unapproachable. What if this weren’t true? Would you then decide to step up to the plate and take on a leadership role?

Now I should clarify that I don’t consider someone to be a leader just because of title, hierarchy, experience, salary or seniority. For me leaders come at all levels within companies, organizations or the community. Leaders are:

Game changers. Change agents. Purpose-driven. Mission-centered. Status quo challengers. Contrarians. Lovers of life. Enthusiasts. Innovators. Creative strategists. Adventurers. Do gooders.

And why do I believe “It’s lonely at the Top.” is one of the biggest leadership myths? A true leader gets that he/she isn’t a leader if he doesn’t tap into the power of connections. This means that she isn’t a leader if she doesn’t have people to support her. How does a leader then tap into the power and support of people?

A leader –

• Knows and can clearly demonstrate what he stands for. He has values that drive him in all his actions. Everyone around him knows this because he walks his talk.
• Has a mission. She has something to accomplish during her life time here. There is a personal legend she wants to leave. There is good she wants to do.
• Focuses on “We” instead of “Me”. He knows that without his team he isn’t anything. He looks to see how his actions impact the community-at-large.
• Shows that her purpose in life isn’t attached to what she’s doing, but is instead how she’s being. She asks: “How am I showing up in life?” Am I proud of who I am?
• Is inner-driven instead of outer-driven. This helps a leader be resilient when criticisms and attacks take place for when he’s looking to make change. He also doesn’t rely on false opinions of those who aren’t supportive.
• Takes full responsibility for all her actions and where she is in life. She isn’t driven by victim mentality or poor me attitude. She knows that she has the power to change things if she doesn’t like them.
• Doesn’t resist who he is. This means that he doesn’t judge his weaknesses, but instead focuses on working from his strengths.
• Embraces change. She knows that the only constant in life is change. This means that she is open to developing herself and changing her views.
• Understands that his energy impacts his team. A leader builds himself up spiritually, mentally, emotionally and physically. He understands that his team is only as healthy as he is.

If leadership is approached from the right attitude, it sure isn’t lonely at the top. Instead it is an experience of tremendous fulfillment and can help answer the soul’s calling. Both the corporate world and communities need people to take on leadership roles to create positive change and to make a difference in the world. Looking forward to hearing about how you’re making your mark on the world!

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