leadership

some of you may know that leadership has always been a particular interest of mine-- especially since pragmatically reviewing all sorts of case studies in the b-school: what was the magic ingredient in the leadership that contributed to its years of success? what was the subtle flaw that ultimately caused the downfall of the company? how can we improve the miscommunication so as to avoid future conflicts? 

shortly after graduating from the business school, i was invited back to speak to a selected group of rising leaders in the business school body by one of my professors. 

but recently, i've been thinking through some more leadership issues that i've observed. what makes a good leader an effective and influential leader? you see, i think there's a difference between the two. a good leader can cast a convincing vision and set a good example. a good leader communicates well. a good leader listens to his followers. but you can do all of that and more-- and still not be effective or influential. 

ultimately, no one cares if you're a good leader or not. you can be a good leader, but have zero followers. but to be an effective and influential leader, you need followers. and that's when i realized one of the greatest leaders i've met in my life... he's the executive medical director at Hope Clinic, Dr. Dan Heffernan. [read the article. it's a worthwhile read.]

extraordinary things about leadership i've learned from dr. dan from working in the office next to his: 

1. he stays engaged. he isn't so far removed up on the hierarchical ladder that he doesn't interact with his staff and volunteers every day he comes in. i hope in any situation of leadership, whether it's leading a small group of three or becoming the CEO of a large organization, that i wouldn't ever be in a position where my position of power intimidates those i'm leading to the point where i think i'm unapproachable. frankly, i just don't think that's very effective leadership at all. 
2. but most importantly, he is someone i desire to become more like. you can't follow someone simply just by admiring their character, skills, advice, or wisdom. perhaps you can for a year, two, or even more. but when you're in it to follow them eternally, they ultimately have to be someone whom you admire so much that you would want to become everything they are-- not just in one area. (another example: jesus.)
3. which brings me to my last point. he is a real person. i think its great that some great leaders give their whole life to one thing, at the cost of family, relationships, health, etc. don't get me wrong-- we need those kind of passionately driven and focused people too. afterall, that's what jesus's ministry was all about. but in terms of followership, you need someone who is relatable. that means, 99.7% of the people out there are not going to be able to be that focused to the point of sacrificing their family, relationships, and health. there's a family to raise. kids to drive around. a body to keep healthy. but that doesn't mean that mother cooking dinner for her children isn't passionately driven and focused. and that's what makes Dr. Dan so admirable: he does it all, while making Jesus his main passion and everyday focus. 

amongst other characteristics, he is humble: as an 84 year old man (i don't even think i'd be working at 84...), i found him on his knees today searching for a patient's chart. i'm sure he could've easily asked his administrative staff to do it... but he is never above doing the menial tasks. 

but perhaps what i admire most about him: he is so deeply committed to hearing from and obeying the Lord. (see article)