Adaptive capacity - most attribute to determine a who will become a leader

A friend recently shared with me an article, Acting the Part of a
Leader, by Warren Bennis, American scholar and author, widely regarded
as a pioneer of the contemporary field of leadership studies.

In the article Bennis discusses why leadership is often paired with
theatricality - the role of leaders and the many parts they play in
their professional and personal life.

For example, discussing the leader’s visionary role, Bennis cites playwright Arthur Miller who observed that they (leaders) have the ability "to find the magnetic
core that will draw together a fragmented public."

I found that the richest discussion, however, was about how leaders in
their career are often asked to take on roles about which they are not
at all comfortable.

We have all experienced this at one time in our career and in our life. We find ourselves in a situation where we feel that the role is greater than our ability to play it.

In Bennis’ words: “that the role is greater than the individual…..”

We look at the opportunity and don’t see within ourselves the talents, skills or
capabilities to be successful in the new endeavor.
We look only at what we know of ourselves now – who and what we are… now. If we choose to see only this, we choose to limit our growth.

Bennis uses the term “adaptive capacity as the most important
attribute in determining who will become a leader.”

I prefer the words “to be more that you ever dreamed you could be.”
It is our continuing journey to push, challenge and stretch ourselves – to see
our abilities through the lenses of new possibilities and, therefore,
find new roles in business and life.

Truly we live the words of William Shakespeare: “All the world is a stage, And all the men and women merely players. They have their exits and entrances; Each man in
his time plays many parts.”

This week in each of your many leadership roles create a better world
and, most importantly, a better and greater you.

I love Stephen Covey’s definition of leadership. May it inspire you also on your
journey:
“Communicating to people their worth and potential so clearly that
they come to see it in themselves. It is the influence we have with
others to help them discover their own voice, to find their own
purpose, to make their unique contribution, and to release their
potential, that truly defines leadership. Thus, leadership extends to
the many personal and professional roles we play – as workers,
parents, children, teachers, students, swamis, you name it – and the
choice we make to live by principles to help others find their voice.”