Social media is overflowing with leadership advice.
Every day, somebody posts a photograph of themselves staring thoughtfully out a window, followed by twelve paragraphs explaining that leaders should listen, communicate, inspire, empower, show humility, build trust, embrace failure, and probably drink more water.
Thank God they cleared that up.
The strange thing is that the people who constantly announce how leadership works are not necessarily the ones doing much of it. Actual leadership is usually messy, uncomfortable, and largely invisible. It involves making decisions without complete information, accepting responsibility when things go wrong, and giving other people credit when they go right.
It rarely includes inspirational graphics, dramatic selfies, or a story about how ordering coffee taught someone the true meaning of servant leadership.
If you have to remind everyone on social media every morning that you’re a leader, there is at least a reasonable chance you’re trying to convince yourself.
Leadership is demonstrated. It does not need a daily press release.
WTF.