As you know, many organizations (profit and non-profit) consider "leadership" to be a soft skill. Soft, in this case, meaning not a high priority. I’ve written many things about the danger of this perspective. Mostly about the power of influence, which describes leadership.
A powerful lesson in leadership can be found in a real life experience that I encountered a few days ago. A gentleman I know was attending a Christmas service that I was at as well. I hadn’t seen him for some time, but his presence was obviously for his daughter. The family had split through divorce. I think he had his arm around her the entire service. Not surprising…
The daughter rose and left the sanctuary to prepare for a choral performance. Minutes later I noticed her return and join the other youth in procession down the aisle. What struck me was her steady gaze at her father. Almost a; "Dad do you see me…do I matter?" And though I couldn’t read her mind, the look was very telling. Maybe you’ve seen the look.
Whether we choose to believe it or not, leadership is powerful. A father, a mother, a CEO, they all speak to this. Don’t fail in the art…you may change the world..for the good or the bad.