There are countless books and reference publications about leadership definition, management and style. I recently found a shortcut to all of them. Here goes; there are 26 million references to “leadership styles”, only 1.4 million references to “leadership qualities” and a paltry 800,000 references to “leadership theories”. All on Google dot com. Now, consider that at least 30% of these are duplicates so do the math…

Whenever I see someone with a bookshelf stacked full of ‘leadership material’, I worry about their self-esteem unless they are academicians. They need reference material for class. Do we read such books to guide us or to quote from them? Just checking…

Incidentally, the majority of our greatest leaders past and present have paid very little credit to any library of leadership content be it a single publication or a series of the same from different authors. One then wonders why they bothered to pen books on leadership now widely accepted and even quoted regularly by many. I am still looking for an answer.

In my opinion, the most appropriate description of a leader that I have come across so far was plagiarized from one of the most quoted and now reads like this; “A successful leader is one who is able to influence people to do good. Consistently”. Simply put, are you a motivator or an undertaker?

A good manager does not necessarily translate into a good leader and that is why many managers fail when taken out of their comfort zones. Leaders on the other hand are not intimidated by (constant) change. Not that they willingly tread where no man has ever walked before but carefully choose their engagements even in the unavoidable circumstances of change. Furthermore, they guarantee success by planning (not scheming and plotting) as well as creating a succession plan. A good leader identifies other leaders who can be trusted with the mandate to carry on long after the predecessor has left.

Corporate South Africa is chocker-full of managers. That is why promotions are determined in wine cellars, cigar clubs and golf courses. Modus operandi of the typical manager species. The few leaders we have are deliberately promoted to obscurity or shunted into impotent jobs to make way for favourable managers also known as drones.

Leadership qualities are intrinsic to each individual so reading copious books and opinion pieces on the subject will not turn one into a leader. I prefer the age old method of networking and observing. Some of the worst examples of leadership have been experienced under managers of blue-chip companies formerly revered as captains of industry. What happened? The board employed managers to run the institution instead of leaders. The result was short-term gains and long term sorrow.

Look at the men and women who fell hook line and sinker for the Ponzi schemes. It was not the tea lady but the chairman, CEO and their buddies. Well educated, seemingly intelligent individuals (aka leaders) fooled by a trick as old as the antics of magicians and court jesters of ancient Babylon. Hmm?

In whatever position you are, listen carefully for passing comments especially during ice-breaker sessions prior to formal meetings. You will learn more about yourself and your colleagues. You will know whether you are running on the inner track or the outside lane. You will also know whether you are a leader or a manager. So, drop the obscure literature and start relating to those who really matter. Read an autobiography or history book instead and become more of a motivator than an undertaker.