In her title song from the movie, Beyond Thunderdome "We Don't Need Another Hero, Tina Turner encourages us to "find a new way of living; one that is less fear-based and more built on love and compassion." Hey Mark, you're really going over the top on this one, what does this have to do with leadership? Think for a minute about the type of leader you would eagerly follow. Do you imagine someone who is strong, decisive, independent and fearless? Possibly George C. Scott in the role of General George Patton. Someone who would take on the devil himself? Now think of the best leaders you have worked for throughout your career. Were these individuals one-dimensional heroic characters or were they multi-faceted, highly developed personalities?

In my corporate and consulting experience, I have seen numerous heroic tough guys crash and burn. In many cases, these individuals were highly persuasive, possessed "central casting" good looks and radiated incredible energy. They were initially very attractive to corporate boards who envisioned them turning around a failing organization or revitalizing a marginal company. All too often, their style only succeeded in driving away talented employees and eventually led to poor business results. They failed to heed the advice of a poster I once saw in a company conference room that read, "None of us is as smart as all of us."

My guess is that you have much to offer as a leader and that your approach is far from heroic. I also believe that leadership is not reserved only for those in the corner office or the boardroom. Every day, companies and institutions achieve great results based on leadership by employees like you, in the middle of the organization. These individuals, unlike the "heroic leader," exhibit traits such as generosity, empathy, collaboration and trust. I know that you have been influenced by individuals like this throughout your career. It may have been the supervisor who took you aside for some sage advice after your naive comments got you in trouble in a meeting. Quite possibly, it was the leader who helped you solve a vexing technical problem that kept you up nights. Later in your career, it might have been the manager who insisted that you be added to the agenda for an important senior level meeting. Now it's your turn to lead!

Many years ago I wrote the following words for a wallet sized card used in one of my workshops, In challenging situations, it takes minimum skill to behave aggressively or retreat in silence. Highly competent individuals employ an approach that is thoughtful, issue centered, and most of all, courageous. The leadership I'm proposing does require an inner courage and composure, qualities not generally associated with the "heroic leader." This type of leadership is not focused exclusively on the leader's success, but on the welfare of a wide range of constituents. The actions below are examples of how you could exercise leadership today.

• Propose an idea that would be extraordinarily good for your customers.

• Rehabilitate a fractured business relationship.

• Join an ad-hoc team focused on an issue that is important to you such as quality or safety.

• Encourage a talented, but hesitant colleague to pursue a promotion he or she greatly deserves.

• Visit a customer who recently awarded a significant contract to your biggest competitor.

We don't need another hero, but we do need leaders. Regardless of where you currently reside in the organization, look for opportunities to lead today.

Related Reading:
"A Prescription for Employee Revitalization" (M.J. Campbell Newsletter Archives)

Recommended Presentation:
"Leading Through Speaking" (Speeches by Mark Campbell)