An expert in leadership or a student?
"Anyone who stops learning is old, whether at twenty or eighty. Anyone who keeps learning stays young." Henry Ford
I submit there are no expert leaders. It is a statement ripe for debate as an expert, according to the dictionary, is a person with extensive knowledge or ability in a given subject. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, therefore, leadership knowledge, or ability must be judged by the recipient or beneficiary. If they are not inspired or influenced by a leader than he or she is not worthy of the title "expert."
Indeed there are leaders with expertise - John Maxwell, Marshall Goldsmith, and Simon Sinek come to mind. Their books and speeches inform and inspire those seeking growth. But who have they led and what would those people have to say? I have expertise in leadership because of my experiences in a military uniform and years of continuous study, but I'll defer to those I have led and coached. Instead, I consider myself a student of leadership and, if led by someone, I'm looking for a student, not an expert.
A former leader of mine was helping the Army recruit the next trainer for its premiere training center in Fort Polk, Louisiana. I knew instantly what the Army was looking for. A student. I championed one of my leaders who, not only demonstrated his leadership acumen - his men and women loved him - but who I believed to be a student of our profession and of leadership. It was the right fit and he excelled in the position.
Students are constantly seeking growth. They travel an enduring journey of discovery, reading, taking courses, hiring coaches, and seeking constant feedback. Students of leadership know they may never graduate so they remain in student mode. As with society, the curriculum changes. Generations change and concepts like Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) reemerge calling for study and practice.
We should all strive for expertise in whatever we do, leadership notwithstanding, but I believe we should remain students of our profession and of leadership. My love of leadership and desire to practice its concepts always brings me back to class. There I sit, sharing and learning with my peers, subordinates (feedback), and coach. I bring an apple to my teacher - books, podcasts, speakers, and my people. I'm a student.
Make it Personal!
Rob
Rob Campbell