The Power of Intentional Leadership

In today’s leadership culture there is a lack of holistic thinking that benefits both the leader and those they are leading. Instead we have yielded to the trends of the society and the whims of the publisher hoping for the next Good to Great. This actuality has produced leadership cultures that rise and fall on the latest book that someone has told them they “must read.”

What is missing in leadership training is continuity, strategy and perspective. The truth is that each of us wake up every morning with priorities on our mind, whether aware or not. These priorities typically revolve around pain resolution (putting out fires). We are then met with the hope of tomorrow, which inevitably is a hope for gain in the future. That is where the latest leader fashion becomes inserted.

Don’t get me wrong, I love books and the latest thoughts from some Harvard professor. I am by no means downplaying creative thought or strategic articles. I welcome them. My concern is in the timing and continuity of thought that is needed to properly digest the latest best seller. As humans, we are susceptible to wanting what we do not have. When we get that something we easily squander it because the cares of the world and the simple needs in front of us kill the new thought or process. That is where cynicism begins.

Keep those stacked books right where they are while you focus on building a framework of thought that allows you to properly insert the newest this and latest that.

It is time to be intentional. This is not a new word, but the practical application may just be what the doctor ordered.

What is the opposite of being intentional? Unintentional, I know. Accidental is a word that comes to mind. Have you ever read a book entitled Accidental Parenting or Unintentional Leadership? How about Being Purposeless as a Leader? Endearing? I think not.

The truth is that accidental parenting doesn’t work and purposeless leadership does not raise up the next level of leaders. Our world is littered with leaders who hope their companies grow and parents who want their kids to be great kids. The problem is that hopes and want does not work as a business plan.

What does work? The growth of organizations happens through the intentional capacity improvement of leaders over time along with a strategic demeanor towards a focused success. That is a mouth full. Stated more simply, companies need to raise their capacity, build a growth infrastructure and pour fuel into leaders and projects that will grow the business. To do this, it is vitally important to be intentional. Over the next few series of blogs I will give details on how to do this effectively.

Posted on August 25, 2009 in Leader Development