I tried to describe someone’s leadership approach:

He resides in the possibilities, but separates himself from the operational realities.

I don’t know if this is due to inability or unwillingness, but the chasm creates issues in the everyday. We need to recognize the chasms we, as well as others, create in both our inabilities and unwillingness. If we don’t, we will become bound in our frustrations—and we’ll bound others in frustration as well.

We need dreamers. We need people to imagine what could happen. We need people to project the possibilities. But we eventually need someone to take the dream and put it into a realistic practice. Like the inventor who sketches the prototype and the engineer who determines the materials. Like the developer who writes the code and the artist who determines the details. No one who leads and doesn’t humbly realize their need for others will succeed long term. They can’t accomplish and progress in isolation. And they can only effectively involve others if they unequivocally commit to authentic communication. Leaving out any of these ingredients will ultimately cause stunted growth and possibly a full stop.

Leaders lead, but they don’t always do so well. They can lead in the wrong directions. They can lead with disregard for the people following. They can lead with pride that blinds them to the broader picture and daily challenges. They can lead people straight into a toxic culture, which either drives people to run or spurs people to absorb and operate upon the same toxic qualities.

We all lead. Someone looks at us for guidance, whether they ask or not. We influence others. We might not have the grand idea, the structured team, the contacts or resources we think we need, but we have a lot. We have connections. The relationships we foster can run deep and last long. The truth and consistency provides stability when storms and uncertainties rage. We make a difference.

We get to choose where we reside. Of course, we sometimes are in situations, life stages, and positions that aren’t our favorite. We can feel helpless, having no control. The truth is we don’t control all the details. We never will. Even the person at the top of any organization or situation we find ourselves in does not control all the details. As they believe they do, they will eventually crash. They will drive others and themselves into the ground. Don’t let it be you. Choose well—whether it’s to walk away or to stay with an adjusted approach or mindset. Begin to see the influence you have where you are. See the attitude you can have. See the words you can speak.

Choose where you reside. It makes a difference to yourself and to those around you. You’re able; now, be willing.

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