Is this leadership? Or, not?
“Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.”
Ralph Emerson
A picture on my desk instantly and instinctively captures my attention every time I glimpse it. I haven’t been able to find the exact picture on the internet, but, it looks somewhat similar to this one. The vast, snow-banked, flat-as-far-as-you-can-see land, reminds me of my North Dakota childhood as well as the flatlands of Finland, where my relatives immigrated from when coming to the US.
The picture is footnoted with the above quote.
At times I ask, “What does this picture have to to with leadership? There’s one lone trail breaker; and no followers. Everyone knows that you have to have followers to be a leader!”
Then, this evening, I attended the Grand Opening of the Hilton Garden Inn and spoke with Stephen Schwartz, CEO of First Hospitality Group about his path to incredible success. He paused…then talked of his reputation for doing the unconventional. He’d take the risk to do something new and innovative. Eventually, others would follow his lead.
I wondered if that is akin to my solo dog-sledder? Someone who dares to the risk and initiative to “cut the course” through the snow (or to “blaze the trail” as my coach, Jim Early), says.
I’m interested in your insights? What does this quote have to do with leadership? How does this picture speak to leadership? Or, doesn’t it?
I’m looking forward to hearing from you!