Leadership on the Rails

In a recent issue of the New Yorker Magazine author Josh Rothman talks about the dangers of the “lionization of leaders.” Or in his words;

“The glorification of leadership makes existing leaders seem disappointing by comparison, leading to an ever more desperate search for “real” leaders to replace them.”

Rothman discusses the difference between process and trait models. Process for example is something you can learn and apply, an educational model, think every business school in the nation. The trait model contains all the personality components, discipline, courage etc. with charisma being at the top of the list, think JFK.

Our current political situation has highlighted the crucial need for this conversation. The US is in a heated debate as to who shall be the next leader of the country. The personalities are big and bold. Are the qualities, process, traits and actions behind the personalities worthy of a vote? Have levels of “crisis” been acerbated in order to think a certain trait or character enables the individual to lead?

What really got me started on this is that I feel something bigger is at stake than just the choice of one leader. Don’t get me wrong there is a LOT at stake for the whole world in this election. However, I feel the real issues stem from our warped sense of what a role model is. This leads to an unrealistic approach towards leadership choices.

Here’s a few examples, in fitness often role models are sports heroes. While they do incredible things with their bodies it is not always the best role model for a normal person desiring to get fit. Why? For starters the average person does not have the same goals, access to training, ability, time, money and or overall desire out of exercise.

Fashion models are another field. The overwhelming majority of women as models are ridiculously thin, possibly unhealthy and do not represent a lifestyle achievable for the average female. Is this the model that best represents what a majority of women yearn for? Some possibly but not all women for sure.

Even with the recent push to bring more full figured ladies into the picture, promoting the lifestyle of a fashion model is maybe not the most beneficial role model for a majority of young girls. A more realistic and healthy approach in my opinion is an individual who achieves professional levels of ability in anything they choose, art, nursing, homecare, education or any field. They are consistent in their drive and passion at any age, size, color, shape or body size.

We’ve also glorified in the business world extremely wealthy individuals. While I do not demean their efforts in making money, I question them as the ultimate role models for both adults as well as children. Shouldn’t individuals be praised for their actions and not for their bank account?

So what should a role model be?

A role model in my eyes offers a realistic approach to life. They live and breath ideals of which you also can achieve. They are normal people who live normal lives but do the above and beyond with that which was bestowed on them. They inspire others through their actions, efforts and leading by example.

They are probably not on the cover of a magazine or playing a major role in a reality TV series. My role models are teachers, coaches, friends and individuals who have paid their dues on planet earth. Who continue to inspire and do this because they have passion, knowledge, experience and make our lives and community better places.

I think if we start to promote role models whose actions speak for themselves the overall leadership pool will improve. If we continue a path of poor role models we should expect no change in the quality of leaders. Doing the same thing and expecting different results is insanity. (Einstein’s words not mine)

What’s this got to do with worksite wellness?

Many leaders in the wellness arena come from either an academic or healthcare background. Worksite wellness operates within the business sector. Thus, these “wellness leaders” often lead with a process model learned from their respective past, education and medicine. I’m generalizing of course, but it’s been my experience also that a certain type of trait fits this educational and medical model. The question is does this type of leader motivate, inspire and encourage wellness?

In Jon Robison and Rosie Ward’s excellent book, How to Build a Thriving Culture at Work, they explore the concept of “stuckness” in wellness. Ward and Robison challenge the concept of being stuck in the “biomedical model” that a majority of wellness programs implement. A model that encourages and promotes medical tests such as blood and cholesterol, along with markers like weight or BMI to justify a level of “health.”

I encourage you to read the book for a broader examination of their 7 points of transformation in wellness at work. But my point is business does not operate necessarily in a medical or educational model. Why should we be pushing a model or even attributes that might not be a good fit for the job at hand? Are doctors and academics the best leaders (or role models) for employees?

In addition, let’s not keep promoting role models of a lifestyle that may or may not be something employees desire. Not every employee wants to run a marathon or win the biggest loser contest. I wager to say the majority would be happy with less politics, more work-life balance and the opportunity to grow in their position. This differs from what a typical wellness program offers within the medical/educational model.

Business and wellness are messy, just like life. Neither one fits in a nice and tidy model. Let’s not “lionize” leaders simply because they have certain degrees or research papers behind their names. It’s time to get creative and find role models that inspire real wellness not meet a medical biomarker. Remember the most memorable leaders are those who lift you up not put you in a box.

“It isn’t what you do, but how you do it.”

Coach John Wooden