“Forget safety.  Live where you fear to live.  Destroy your reputation.  Be notorious.” – Rumi

The word “leader” suggests someone who is out in front, charging ahead towards who knows what, waving and yelling for others to follow.  Maybe that imagery isn’t exactly perfect, but it’s not very far off.  On a very basic level, that’s something like what leaders do.

At least, that’s something like what they’re supposed to do.  The reality is that the world is full of leaders who make decisions based on what they think people will think of them when the decision is made.  The result is that they make choices and take actions that aren’t what they really want to do, or even what they think they ought to do.

I’m not saying that what people think doesn’t matter at all.  You do need to care about what the people following you think, and some outsiders do have an impact on your organization.  We can’t just pretend we do everything in a vacuum.

What I am saying is that, rather than do things based on what others will think, do what you think is best and then work to get those others on the same page.  Make a case for your action.  Explain your vision.  Help them see whatever it is that you see.

Think about yourself as a leader.  When you’re faced with a decision, what do you think about first?  What’s best for the organization or its customers or its people?  Or what other people may think of you once the decision is made?

You need to understand and respect where your people are coming from, and what they think definitely matters.  But too many leadership decisions are made as though leadership is a popularity contest.  Too many leaders would rather just follow the crowd than try to impact people’s hearts and minds.

Take the lead.  Stand up for your thoughts and beliefs.  Show others the path to where you want to go and then lead them there.  No more popularity contests.  Just leadership.