Leaders, Cheerleaders and Obstructionists

"Lead, follow, or get out of the way!"

Chances are, you've spoken these words or responded to them. More than once.

Most of the successful people I know are equally skilled at leading and cheerleading.

They lead by example, principle and service.

They know when to admonish and when to encourage, removing themselves - their egos - from the equation.

When they criticize, it is with objectivity. When they praise, it is without affectation.

They're people who say what they mean, and mean what they say.

They also tend to be generous and gracious.

They know when to get out of the way and let someone else lead.

Clients and co-workers alike benefit from their association with such a person.

Obstructionists, on the other hand, operate from a narrow self-interest that excludes consideration of others.

They tend to be self-indulgent, hypercritical, and whiny.

Nitpickers. Complainers. Foot draggers.

Their attitude and example benefit no one, except by contrast.

They're a drain on their co-workers, a bane to their superiors, and a pain to their clients.

When things are good, they're a nuisance. When things are difficult, they're an albatross.

The best way to deal with them is to avoid them.

None of us has absolute control over our circumstances, but neither are we powerless. Every day we're given the chance to choose how we respond to the challenges, adversities, and opportunities before us.

We can choose to lead.

We can choose to follow.

Or we can choose to get out of the way and give someone else a chance.

"If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader." - John Quincy Adams