In other writings, I have suggested that the leader has two primary responsibilities: One is to determine direction and the other is to shape efforts toward that direction. But the more I contemplate the matter, the more I realize that some leaders must do more. In some cases the leader has a role of imparting certain elements into the lifeblood of the organization. There may be more than the two I am going to mention now, but I think these are of upmost importance:
- The leader needs to impart life values into the organization. This is what infuses the organization with soul (seen in its culture).
- The leader must impart core value into the organization. This is what infuses the organization with edge (seen in its value prop).
In many cases the leader has a particular gift or ability that helps the organization achieve distinction within a competitive marketplace. Often the value proposition of an organization originates with the leader (especially in the case of the founder/leader).
There is a unique symbiosis between the organization and the leader.
I need to be more cognizant of my role in imparting these elements.
