Developing Leadership Abilities

5. Are You an Ego-Leader or a Servant-Leader?

Because leaders typically make more money and have more job security than the rest of the crew, these leaders may be tempted to spell “me” with a capital “M.” We have all met and perhaps worked for leaders who rarely seek advice because they know it all—leaders who seldom listen because they are so busy talking. In effect, they play the “mind” of the work group and let everyone else play the role of body parts. The failure of this anatomy lies in a natural tendency for unused organs to atrophy. Employees quickly get the idea that it’s OK to park their own brains at the door when they enter work because the boss doesn’t expect them to think on the job.

Your Turn Describe a leader you believe to be ...