Have you ever pondered the great dilemma about how some companies in differing businesses are able to report consistent growth of revenue and earnings from year to year while other companies in the same industries fail to stay in business? A large part of the answer is that the companies that produce exceptional results also create a succession of exceptional leaders who replace retiring leaders and continue the pattern of success.
In a very similar way leadership is also a deciding factor in the success of those not-for-profit community service organizations like Rotary. Yes, there is a difference between what we commonly call business organizations and not-for-profit organizations, but the difference is one of tax status, not business plan. Any organization that does not set out to be profitable is doomed to failure. A quick reality check tells us that all organizations are in the business of creating a profit; sometimes a monetary profit and sometimes a non-monetary profit.
There are many stories of community and volunteer groups that appear from nowhere, accomplish a phenomenal one-time success, and then cease to exist. What is it that makes those organizations different from other groups that have a tradition of repeated successes often spanning several decades?
Few of us will have the opportunity to be a national or political leader. After all, we only have one president of the United States at any one time. There are fewer than 900 generals and admirals in our military and even fewer people have the opportunity to be the chief executive officer at one of America’s 500 largest corporations. But many of us do have the opportunity to be a leader in our own business, our community and our family.
Standing at a podium while delivering an inspirational speech to hundreds of followers may be an appropriate vision of leadership, but much of what leaders do is quiet, one-on-one counseling. Leadership is what makes one Rotary Club successful year after year and we are nearing the time when we renew our Rotary leadership. If you are about to step into a leadership position in Rotary, I have one piece of counsel; enjoy the experience and lead. If you are not stepping into a formal leadership position, I have another thought to share; be a great follower and in the process you will strengthen your own leadership potential.