Leadership in Three Easy Steps

I was on the road a lot in the early and late parts of 2008, which is fortunately not something I have to do a lot most of the time. I am not a fan of business travel. But there's a single note I took during all those road days that sticks with me still. I'd almost say it made it worthwhile. (But, let's get real. I missed my kids.) I'll share:

Martin Sorrell, CEO of WPP, the parent company of the company I work for, said something that was well worth the 18 hours of travel to get to a conference in Athens. Yes, Athens Greece, not Athens Georgia. Long flight(s).

Leadership, he said, is three things:

"Vision, alignment, and execution. That's it."

I take it as a given that we all lead, as well as follow. So this isn't about rank, seniority, or the org chart. It's about effective leadership, period. And it's clear that the best "anointed leaders" in effective organizations know how to "follow" their most junior colleagues at the right times.

Vision. Alignment. Execution.

I could expound for a while on each of those, and end up with a nice, meaty blog post, but I give you more credit. What a great, simple way to encapsulate such a difficult practice! Sorrell said it well.