The best pilots aren’t moving metal from point A to point B; they’re delivering souls. A friend of mine, Erik Benchoff, once used this analogy to describe the job of a leader. We (the organization) had entrusted Erik with forty-five souls, and he considered this a sacred duty.
How cool is that?
We’re wired to compete and seek affirmation that we’re “winning.” For many that affirmation comes in the form of promotion– more people under our box on the org chart. In doing so, we risk seeing leadership as a destination– a step on the achievement ladder– rather than an awesome responsibility to help people fulfill their potential.
The best leaders turn that org chart upside down. They work for their team. They remove obstacles, and they let people know how much they believe in them. This doesn’t mean they’re soft. They challenge team members– give them tough feedback when they need tough feedback. But they also get to know them. They ask Why and they care about helping people achieve their Why.
The best leaders see human flourishing as an end in itself, not just a means to make more widgets. I’m forever indebted to so many leaders who invested in me. They saw things that I didn’t see in myself, cared about me and built trust. Care and trust nourish souls.
Leadership is not a prize to be won. It’s an amazing gift and an awesome responsibility. A sacred duty!
