Artisans - Unconscious Leaders

How often, in an appraisal or interview, have you had people who say they are leaders?

If you ask them what the basis for their leadership is, it often goes a little quiet.

We have created cultures where leadership is seen as a promotion beyond management. Something better on the job title. Something we progress to that happens magically with a pay rise and attendance on an expensive one week course.

I find that often people who have to call themselves leaders, aren't. It's like Gurus. If you have to tell people you're one, you're not. Leadership, like Guru status is something other people assign to you without telling you.

Artisans, and artists are often powerful leaders, although suffer from the disadvantage that their leadership often manifests after they're dead. Their power to trigger insight, or enthuse us with their vision and example has real longevity, and applicability in many different scenarios. Their dedication to their particular craft throughout their lives inspires us.

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