Becoming the Leader You Aspire to Be: Lessons from an Ancient Proverb
There’s an old proverb that says, “A cat that dreams of becoming a lion must begin with losing appetite for rats.” At first glance, this might seem like a simple statement about animals, but delve deeper, and you’ll find a profound message about leadership, personal growth, and the journey to achieving our highest aspirations.
The Wisdom in the Proverb
This proverb isn’t telling us to abandon our nature entirely. Instead, it’s urging us to elevate our thinking, our habits, and our actions to align with our greater ambitions. It’s about outgrowing the mindset that keeps us content with small victories and instead cultivating a perspective that seeks larger challenges and more significant accomplishments.
Applying the Proverb to Leadership
In the context of leadership, this proverb offers a powerful lesson: to become the leader you aspire to be, you must start behaving like that leader long before you attain the position. It’s about developing the mindset, skills, and habits of the leader you want to become, rather than waiting for a title or promotion to start acting the part.
1. Expand Your Vision
Just as the cat must look beyond rats to become a lion, aspiring leaders must expand their vision beyond their current role. This means thinking about the bigger picture, understanding the broader impact of decisions, and considering long-term strategies rather than just immediate results.
Real-world example: When Satya Nadella took over as CEO of Microsoft in 2014, he didn’t just focus on the company’s existing products. Instead, he expanded Microsoft’s vision to embrace cloud computing and artificial intelligence, areas that were not the company’s traditional strengths. This forward-thinking approach has since transformed Microsoft into one of the world’s most valuable companies.
2. Cultivate New Skills
Becoming a great leader requires developing skills that may not be necessary in your current role. These might include strategic thinking, effective communication, emotional intelligence, and the ability to inspire and motivate others.
Real-world example: Before becoming the CEO of PepsiCo, Indra Nooyi continuously sought to expand her skill set. She pursued an MBA, took on challenging roles in different departments, and even learned to play cricket to better connect with colleagues in India. This constant self-improvement prepared her for the top leadership role long before she attained it.
3. Take on Bigger Challenges
Leaders don’t shy away from challenges; they embrace them as opportunities for growth. To become the leader you aspire to be, start seeking out and volunteering for projects that stretch your abilities and push you out of your comfort zone.
Real-world example: Elon Musk, known for tackling seemingly impossible challenges, didn’t wait to become CEO before thinking big. As a young entrepreneur, he took on the established banking industry with PayPal, then moved on to even bigger challenges with SpaceX and Tesla, revolutionizing space travel and the automotive industry.
4. Build Relationships at All Levels
Great leaders understand the importance of strong relationships throughout an organization. Start building these relationships now, not just with those above you, but also with peers and those you may one day lead.
Real-world example: Mary Barra, CEO of General Motors, started her career with the company as a co-op student at the age of 18. Throughout her career, she built strong relationships at all levels of the organization. This comprehensive understanding of the company and its people has been crucial to her success as CEO.
5. Act with Integrity
Leadership is not just about achieving results; it’s about how you achieve them. Start embodying the values and ethical standards you’d want to see in a leader, regardless of your current position.
Real-world example: Paul Polman, former CEO of Unilever, is known for his commitment to sustainability and ethical business practices. He didn’t wait until he became CEO to start championing these values. Throughout his career, he consistently advocated for responsible business practices, which ultimately became a cornerstone of his leadership at Unilever.
The Journey of Transformation
Becoming the leader you aspire to be is a journey of transformation. It requires conscious effort, continuous learning, and often, stepping out of your comfort zone. It means looking beyond the ‘rats’ – the small, immediate gains or easy wins – and setting your sights on bigger, more impactful goals.
This journey isn’t always easy. You may face doubts, both from yourself and others. You may encounter setbacks and failures. But remember, every great leader has faced these challenges. What sets them apart is their persistence, their willingness to learn and adapt, and their unwavering commitment to their vision.
Conclusion
Leadership is not bestowed; it’s earned through consistent actions, decisions, and behaviors. The proverb about the cat and the lion reminds us that to achieve greatness, we must first change our perspective and our habits. Start today by thinking, acting, and leading like the person you aspire to become. Lose your appetite for the small and immediate, and cultivate a hunger for the significant and enduring.
Remember, the journey to becoming a great leader doesn’t start with a promotion or a new title. It starts right now, with the choices you make, the attitudes you cultivate, and the actions you take. So ask yourself: are you still chasing rats, or are you ready to roar like a lion?