When Leaders Disappoint

While I have previously written on this theme, the stories of leaders in public positions and in private enterprises who behave badly continue to emerge. Whether it is a recalcitrant Congressman Weiner or a boss who fails to keep a promise, leaders too often betray our trust or disappoint. Every sector of public life, business or industry, and professional or amateur sports has numerous examples of leaders abusing power, engaging in fraud, operating unethically, succumbing to on-field temper tantrums, and yielding to off-field indiscretions.

If we are to rebuild the public’s confidence in civic and corporate leadership a new type of leader must emerge. It is not enough to reintroduce ethics teaching into university classrooms or establish harsher penalties for those who step over the line. We need a fundamental shift in personal morality and a recognition that meaning and fulfillment in life aren’t derived from intellectual brilliance or the endless pursuit of power and wealth. What most leaders are missing is an internal compass that is firmly pointed in the direction of their destiny on this earth.

Canadian author and consultant, Dr. Lance Secretan, describes this destiny as “our North Star,” the passion within us that others will find inspiring. If you have ever encountered a truly passionate individual you can sense their excitement in everything they do. They tend to view the world in broad terms with a sense for how their work is making a difference around a specific issue that is near and dear to their hearts. They draw joy from their vocation and don’t measure success solely in terms of money, possessions, or positions of power.

Yet these same leaders inspire us in ways we may find difficult to explain. We are often drawn to their clear vision of a better world, their optimism in the face of adversity, their ability to create loving relationships, and their clarity about themselves and their strengths. We are surprised by how humble they often are, by their servant attitude, and their dedication and persistence. Many times these leaders don’t have an executive title or a corner office. Instead they walk the factory floors or quietly infiltrate the office cubicles.

My personal destiny as a leader and person is well-known to my colleagues and clients—to create a sustainable community of inspirational leaders. To achieve this destiny requires that I aspire to live a certain way, to acknowledge that the quality of my character will influence how inspiring I am to others. So I am committed to discovering, nurturing, and affirming a life-long love for learning in myself and others. Finally I must turn my passion into a calling, a vocation that uses my talents and gifts in an inspiring way. For me that emerges as I serve and inspire others through my teaching, writing, and coaching.

I’m optimistic that we can create a generation of inspiring leaders to replace the tired models that regularly disappoint us. It is what my business is all about and why I do what I do every day. Instead of lamenting the recent reminders of leaders who have fallen from grace, let’s commit ourselves to discovering the destiny within us, cultivating greater quality in our character, and choosing a livelihood that embodies our calling. Will you join me in this movement? I would love to hear your own stories of Destiny, Character, and Calling.