It's Hard to Define...

“If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.” John Quincy Adams

I was sitting in the audience. Our main speaker was about to begin. The topic for our learning session was effective leadership and the mayor of Virginia Beach was the messenger. She approached the podium and climbed atop a step stool in order to see the crowd before her. I’ll never forget how she opened her presentation. She said, “Leadership is a lot like pornography (extended pause). It’s hard to define, but you know it when you see it.”

Her definition immediately resonated with me. She was spot on. Leadership is very difficult to define. What does it look like? Sound like? Behave like? It can take on many forms—and still remain elusive. Yet when we’re in its presence, it’s undeniable and we willingly follow. Leadership is hard to define—and we do know it when we see it.

One of those “hard to define leaders” is Paolo Chiappina, Director of Lean and Global Process Sustainability. He leads a small and powerful team who have achieved over $50 million in cost savings/avoidance for their organization over the past two years. One reason his team accomplishes such impressive results is that Paolo makes sure they understand the purpose and meaning of their work. Paolo’s band of champions understand why they exist inside their organization and why they perform their challenging roles: they’re creating a movement within their company and shifting a corporate culture.

This awareness fuels them as they travel around the globe, pouring knowledge and courage into their growing base of followers. Because Paolo has invested the necessary effort to instill purpose into his team, they are committed and fiercely loyal to him and the cause they represent. Their conviction to achieving their purpose is demonstrated in their day-to-day activity and the results they garner.

How does Paolo accomplish this? He invites his team into the conversation. He listens. He has the courage to step away from the daily grind and discuss the team’s purpose. He recognizes that his team needs conviction that originates from their soul…or their chances of surviving in such a cutthroat business climate would be diminished.

Yes, leadership is hard to define Madam Mayor. I am grateful that some can show us the way. Fortunately there are men and women who have done the difficult work to grow into engaging leaders. Look around and see if you can locate your own Paolo Chiappina, then pay attention—this will help you define what an engaging leader looks like.