I was recently speaking to a super capable leader who recently joined my organizational world. I made a suggestion about not referring to the visions we are leading our people in, as “my vision.” You know, the typical and correct way that leaders talk about vision, is the leader is up front, inspiring people to follow their vision. I suggested a small subtle change to our thinking and words. From “my vision” to “our vision.”
The leader said, “Tell me more. What is your philosophy regarding vision, and what makes you think this way?”
I said, “It’s simple: ‘share the stage.’” (It’s also “clear the stage,” which I will talk about in another article).
Leaders must share the stage. Leaders work hard to earn the right to be on stage, to be the central figure on that stage. To be leading the choir and the audience. To be the center of attention. They work hard. They sacrifice. They learn. They grow. And then it all works beautifully. All follow dutifully. And that’s the word that at some point will hamper our progress: “follow.” If we want to create a leadership culture around us, we have to move aside and share the stage.
We need to follow.
We have to stop thinking and saying things like, “my vision.” Or “I want to cast the vision.” No. People don’t want to follow your vision. People want to follow their vision, a vision in which they have had a voice. People support what they help create.
This is only a tool of leadership, but it is also the right thing to do. When you don’t share the stage, you are doing wrong to the potential of those around you. You are not allowing them to lead.
It’s like these super successful business people who have diminutive adult children. They never shared the stage with them, truly. While amazing results happened, and no one could argue with that, people and leaders did not rise up into their best, into their stratosphere. They did not share the stage with their children, so their children are not leading. What a tragedy.
Do you need to bring people up onto the stage with you? Consider who is ready to be launched into greater things; invite them onto the stage with you. Invite them to lead–to lead you.
How can I support you more as a Christian leader and entrepreneur?
