A De-Facto Leader or Entrepreneurial Role Model?

Our world, especially the business world, is full of case studies. We are fascinated by what builds success, either because we want to learn from them or because we are slightly jealous. Maybe both. Mark Zuckerberg the Facebook founder, is no stranger to these questions. An article by Ginapiero Petriglieri in Harvard Business Review, looks at the bigger picture and draws a few lessons for the rest of us who either want to be in a leadership position or already are.

Petriglieri discusses the “draw” or the story that we innately crave when we idolize certain leadership figures. Some say Zuckerberg is smart but mainly lucky; others say he’s the spitting image of today’s entrepreneur who makes things work. No matter what you think, he has taken on a role that has received more public attention than many other business leaders recently. So what can you learn to make sure the role that you take is handled as well?

Help people trust you. Allow others to question your decisions. What does this look like, practically? Maybe a 360 degree performance review system. Or an anonymous, online suggestion board. Allow employees direct access to senior management, adopt an open door policy, and hold weekly or monthly brown bag talks. The bottom line? Allow conversation, but also have your say.

Adopt a support system. Identify others within and outside your organization who not only have your best in mind, but also the best of your organization. It could be someone on your advisory board, another entrepreneur or investor who has many years of experience. Leadership is never about you, as Petriglieri notes; it’s about the others around you.

Be willing to change course. An organization should be fluid in order to adapt to the ever-changing marketplace. A leader should not get so caught up in what others love or hate about the organization. Instead, leaders should keep a steady ear to the ground, to keep their idea alive and let it grow.

What about you? Have a success story or a leadership figure you admire? Leave me a comment below.