The Conditioned Leader

I have studied leaders and leadership over the last several decades and found some trends in their creation. The first thing I have noticed is that some people are more naturally drawn to the front of the crowd as leaders. When a person is young, they will often have a stronger jawline and appear to be physically capable of handling hard work. One of the research articles I looked at indicated that we initially look for the physical appearance of a person to determine if we would follow them. I would reference this as a role model theory. When we are young, we seek those who offer us an advantage. That is often someone with a little stronger presence physically and socially. The reason that is interesting to me is that the facial structure of someone who handles themself well is fairly definable. They typically have a square chin, round forehead, and strong jawline. Psychologically, this indicates a drive toward goals, the use of emotion for motivation, and tenacity (in that order).

The question I often have, however, is whether or not the person was conditioned to see the world the way they do or born that way. Most psychological research comes back to the conclusion that we are each born with a tendency toward the personality factors of our ancestors and conditioned in the personality portrayal of self. So, regardless of how a person was born, it is what they do with what they have during their life that matters. From a leadership perspective, people are often seeking someone who is stable in their emotions, tenacious in their pursuit of goals, able to self-sacrifice when necessary, and competitive in nature.

The competitive aspect of their leadership success is focused in a specific manner, though. It is not competition towards their people or towards other businesses similar to theirs. It is competition towards the previous version of themselves. I believe this characteristic, just like all the others of a great leader, is developed in them during their lifetime. I also believe there is never a point in life where a person can no longer become a better version of themselves.

The guide who develops the leader within another person is the difference maker in most situations. The guide is the leader who has already faced struggles, learned the lessons, and is ready to help others grow into their potential. This is the fundamental piece missing in most organizations. Far too many people have reached success as an achiever but never mastered the lessons of success as a leader. Consequently, they cannot guide others to greatness. They can push and strive and remain the center of attention. But try as they may, they cannot truly lead. Great leaders purposefully become great guides. They map out the actions, attitudes, and outcomes that have helped them succeed, and they pour into the development of their people.

To be great as a leader, we seek out a guide to condition that greatness within us. I have had dozens of people who have guided me on this path. My father gave me an amazing example of value-centered leadership and tenacity even when things were tough. My grandfather showed me how to step into a problem as a leader because that was where the resolution was found. My mom taught me love, patience, and a gentle spirit were what helped people recover from mistakes. My father-in-law taught me that relationships are what build the opportunities you can provide for your people. My mentors (many of them) taught me the skills of a leader, the actions of a guide, and the mindset of tenacity.

If you search through your past, you have also been guided to be who you are today. Be intentional about finding guides that condition your greatness. Also, be intentional about being the opposite of those who tear you and others down.