Leadership Uses All the Colors

Leadership Uses All the Colors July 2, 2013

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Some people, and some organizations, believe that leadership is monochromatic.

They act as though leadership comes in one size, one color, one version. There is a right way to lead, and there are no other acceptable options. For me, this “one size fits all” approach may be the opposite of leadership.

Our world is in constant motion. Boundaries are being pushed back every day. We are ever more connected to each other. Innovation continues to accelerate. Challenges continue to become more and more complex.

Leaders need to recognize when and how to use all the colors.

Each of us has our own favorites. Some leaders are vibrant and create shiny, exciting environments that motivate people to do their best work. Some leaders are more down to earth, growing integrated teams that fit together in organic relationships. Some rely on their primary skills to accomplish goals, while others develop eclectic combinations of abilities across the spectrum.

It is crucial that leaders not allow their personal preferences to become limiting habits. While I may appreciate the colors in a particular range, that does not excuse my ignoring all the other choices. I may love being a bright red leader, but I still need blue and green.

There are times when brown can accomplish what purple cannot.

Some colors are great for attracting attention, others are better for settling us down for the long haul. Some colors spur people to action, while others encourage deeper reflection.

It is easy for us to get so focused on choosing the colors we want to show others that we forget what the world really looks like. Our lives are filled with fluorescent hues and muted tones, with variations of light and shadow.

What are your favorite leadership colors?

Which colors have you gotten out of the habit of using?

[Image by Dusty J]


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