Napoleon Bonaparte is attributed with the simple, yet profound and enduring quote, “A leader is a dealer in hope.” This quote is often referred to when identifying the characteristics of a good leader, elements that go beyond the realm of strategy, performance reviews and management.
The “textbook answer” for being a leader that is a dealer in hope points to that leader finding ways to inspire their team in the most difficult of circumstances. That leader is able to portray a sense of positivity, clarity, and a never ceasing level of encouragement for the teams and employees they lead.
I recently read an article that stated it is the leaders responsibility to always inspire hope no matter what the circumstance.
That statement made me cringe. In fact, a lot of statements and articles on what a leader should be and should do don’t always sit well with me.
The reason?
Being a leader is difficult!
It’s easy to write an article on what a good leader should be or do. It’s easy to give a speech on leadership and tell others what characteristics they must have to be a good leader. I can’t tell you how many times I have heard a former boss or supervisor get up and talk about what makes a good leader, when in fact they rarely actually portrayed those characteristics themselves. I have also heard multiple stories from individuals that worked for best-selling leadership authors and gurus informing me that those “experts” didn’t exactly practice what they preached within their own organizations.
The reality of leadership is that great leaders aren’t perfect.
Leadership isn’t perfect because leaders are human and humans make mistakes. Leaders have emotions and experience highs and lows just like everyone else. As much as we desire to be the best leaders possible, we have to be honest with ourselves and come to the realization that we will never always get it right.
- There will be times when you don’t feel hopeful and aren’t able to muster the perfect words to your team.
- There will be times when you are struggling to see the clear answer to a problem.
- There will be times that you doubt yourself, your abilities, and your qualifications.
- There will be times when you aren’t the perfect, textbook leader that everyone writing articles and blogs say you should be.
But there is hope…
A great leader strives to be all of the things listed above. You don’t have to be perfect, you don’t always have to have the answers, but you can intentionally and purposely work every day to be the best you can.
My challenge to you…
Give yourself grace. Serve your team the best way you can. Trust in your abilities, training and experiences that got you into the leadership position you are in now, and never stop growing as a leader.
Be bold, be great, and be a dealer in hope…but don’t worry about being perfect.