Does The Word “Leadership” Mean Anything Anymore?

January 21, 2012 7 Comments

In the February issue of Inc. magazine, editor-at-large Leigh Buchanan interviews Ronald Riggio.  Riggio is a professor of leadership and organizational psychology at the Kravis Leadership Institute of Claremont McKenna College.  He is concerned the word “leadership” has been over-used which has resulted in the term being meaningless.  Here are some of his comments from the artilce.

  • “Leadership used to mean something specific.  C-level executives.  Leaders of countries.  You would never call a middle manager, and definitely not a frontline supervisor, a leader.  Now, when anybody kind of picks up the ball and carries it forward, we call those people leaders.”
  • “Teachers are going through them (leadership development plans), and they might aspire to be prinicipals.  But they’re just third-grade teachers.”

I understand that Professor Riggio is very successful.  He is probably very wealthy and is obviously interviewed by major national magazines of prominence.  However, his view of human beings is condescending and insulting.  I could not disagree with him more!

Leadership is not about title, position, or a ranking on an organizational chart.  It is about stewarding and leveraging the influence that God has entrusted each of us with to serve others, mobilize people, and advance causes and agendas that improve the quality of human life.

I believe everyone has influence.  Everyone.  Parents certainly do.  Coaches certainly do.  Spouses certainly do.  Educators and mid-level managers certainly do.  I could go on and on.  Everyone has influence.

And if you still think you can’t influence anyone, everyone should practice and master self-leadership.

Professor Riggio has me FIRED UP about this issue but I want to hear what you have say.  Please take less than 30 seconds and respond to this brief survey regarding his comments.

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/NBLWPG5.

I will post the poll’s results throughout the week. 

*Special Note* – Ron Riggio has responded to this post on February 11th, 2012 and I feel his comments should be prominently featured for a balanced perspective.

Hi Brian,

You took the quote out of context (the reporter also took some liberties — like the 3rd grade teacher quote). The point was that the idea that leaders have to be at the top is outdated. Leadership can occur at all levels — which was the point I was trying to make in the interview.
I don’t at all believe that leadership is top-down. Leaders can spring up at any level, and grassroots leaders are likely our hope for the future.
Thanks,
Ron Riggio

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7 Responses to “Does The Word “Leadership” Mean Anything Anymore?”

  1. Scott Cochrane Reply January 22, 2012 at 12:37 AM

    Just completed the survey Brian- and I agree with what you’re saying here. Opinions like those of Professor Riggio are confined to too limited a view of ‘leadership’. Once we relegate the concept of leadership only to those with a lofty title we have abandoned the real essence of what it means to ‘lead’; that is to influence others. Some have far greater capacity to influence, but each of us carry the responsibility to steward our role as influencers of those around ut.

    • briandodd Reply January 22, 2012 at 1:09 AM

      Scott,

      Thank you for taking the survey and your comments. I could not agree more. Thank you for all you are doing to equip and empower leaders. You’re a great leader!

      Brian

  2. Chidi Reply January 22, 2012 at 10:27 PM

    Brain, I recommend “360 degree leader” by John Maxwell and “You don’t need a title to be a leader” by Mark Sanborn to Professor Riggio. May be after reading the two books he will reconsider his position.

  3. ron riggio Reply February 11, 2012 at 1:16 PM

    Hi Brian,

    You took the quote out of context (the reporter also took some liberties — like the 3rd grade teacher quote). The point was that the idea that leaders have to be at the top is outdated. Leadership can occur at all levels — which was the point I was trying to make in the interview.
    I don’t at all believe that leadership is top-down. Leaders can spring up at any level, and grassroots leaders are likely our hope for the future.
    Thanks,
    Ron Riggio

    • briandodd Reply February 11, 2012 at 2:03 PM

      Ron,

      Thank you for replying to this post and giving your side of story. That is a very classy gesture on your part. I agree with you that the reporter framed the interview in a manner that could easily be misinterpreted.

      I love what you just said about grassroots leaders are likely our hope for the future. I will make sure to update the post so that your comments are prominently featured.

      Thank you again for your response and thank you for your investment in all leaders.

      Brian

  4. ron riggio Reply February 15, 2012 at 10:24 PM

    Thanks, Brian. We’re all working toward the same goal, I believe.
    Best,
    Ron

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