About 15 years ago, Harvard Business Review sent out a promotional mailing to encourage people to subscribe to the magazine. One panel outlined a list of roles a leader played (and that presumably were addressed in the publication’s content.) I saved this flyer and have had them posted on my desk ever since.
The roles of a leader (circa 1999) were:
Strategist. Mentor. Visionary. Talent Scout. Guru. Futurist. Champion. Leader.
I thought, and still think, that it is a very accurate list and reflects the roles I am asked to play on a regular basis.
It was interesting to me to receive a newer HBR advertisement; it had the same general format but included a new list:
Leader. Strategist. Mentor. Architect. Builder. Coordinator. Champion.
Gone are visionary, talent scout, guru, futurist — replaced with architect, builder, coordinator. Also gone is clear language — replaced by metaphors!
The first list, faded as it is, will remain in my office. What roles would be on your list? Sharpen your observational powers and watch what hats a leader you admire wears — then try some on yourself.
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