In LEADERSHIP Is It About You or Your TITLE?

A recent coaching conversation with a new CEO made me reflect on one of the best examples I have ever heard about truly understanding your “position title” in leadership...and understanding it’s not about you. I heard this story years ago, and it has stuck with me because of the simplicity of the story yet the power in what it means. Simon Sinek has even used this story as an example in ”leaders eat last.” This is a true story from a former secretary of defense… At a conference where this former senior executive was speaking, he suddenly stopped during his opening remarks, looked down at his cup of coffee, and contemplated something in silence during his speech to a large crowd. He took another sip, looked down at the cup, and smiled. Then looking out into the crowd, he said, "I spoke here last year. I presented at this same conference…on this same stage. But last year, I was still an Under Secretary of Defense," he said. "I flew here in business class, and when I landed, someone was waiting for me at the airport to take me to my hotel." "Upon arriving at my hotel," he continued, "someone else was waiting for me. They had already checked me into the hotel, so they handed me my key and escorted me to my room. The next morning, when I came down again, someone was waiting for me in the lobby to drive me to the same venue that we are in today. I was taken through a back entrance, shown to the green room, and handed a cup of coffee in a beautiful ceramic cup." "But this year, as I stand here to speak to you, I am no longer the Under Secretary," he continued. "I flew here coach class, and when I arrived at the airport yesterday, there was no one there to meet me. I took a taxi to the hotel, and when I got there, I checked myself in and went by myself to my room. This morning, I came down to the lobby and caught another taxi to come here. I came in the front door and found my way backstage. Once there, I asked one of the techs if there was any coffee. He pointed to a coffee machine on a table against the wall. So I walked over and poured myself a cup of coffee into this here Styrofoam cup," he said as he raised the cup to show the audience. "You see…the ceramic cup they gave me last year . . . it was never meant for me at all. It was meant for the position I held". I deserve a Styrofoam cup. "This is the most important lesson I can impart to you," he offered. "All the perks, benefits, and advantages you may get for the rank or position you hold aren’t meant for you. They are meant for the role you fill. And when you leave your role, which eventually you will, they will give that ceramic cup to the person who replaces you. Because you only ever deserved a Styrofoam cup". I love this story. As a leader, do not confuse your title with the obligation to lead well no matter where you sit within an organization. Never get wrapped up in the title; just be you! #Leadership #Business #Humility More information can be found at https://www.n2growth.com Follow us on Social Media:   / n2growth     / n2growth     / n2growth     / n2growth