The most unlikely leaders walk the Earth than the likely ones. This fact is counterintuitive and goes against popular opinion. But since the “world is flat”, it is now more the case than ever. Unlikely leaders are ordinary people who sometimes accomplish extraordinary things. They are leaders who achieve despite their weaknesses.
Sometimes the leader is the one you would choose from the crowd. But just as often, the leader is the person least expected. It is these unlikely leaders who surprise us. They rise up among us time and time again, proving that anyone, anytime, anywhere can be a leader.
Even many leader recruiting searches lose sight of potential leaders. This happens because we are looking for people who we think are leaders when we should be looking for people who can become leaders. We look too much at the visible attributes and not enough at the invisible ones.
We should have already learned that being a leader is not the exclusive domain of the rich and powerful, or of famous or beautiful people. Being a leader is not reserved for the super talented or the VIPs. It is not just for men, adults, a certain nationality, race or ethnic group.
Leadership is not a mysterious talent that only some people are “lucky” to acquire. Simply, but remarkably, leadership is a divine gift to all of us. Actually, when you consider it, it’s pretty obvious that some of the most revered and remembered leaders were unlikely leaders in their day.
The story of Abraham Lincoln is known all over the world: a humble beginning, an eternal loser of the elections, but who in the end becomes possibly our best president in war or peace. Dave Thomas began life as a foster child, overcoming a series of obstacles, and then building the successful Wendy’s hamburger chain.
George Foreman was a bad boy on the streets of Houston who proved that work ethic, faith, and sheer desire can propel you forward. He became an Olympic gold medalist, a two-time world heavyweight champion, a wealthy product pitcher, a beloved personality, and a pastor of a small church in his community.
Then it can be done. We need unlikely leaders.
Marines say, “Wherever there are two Marines, one of them will be a leader.” Great date. Sure, Marines have a lot of value, but you don’t have to be a Marine to know that this maxim could apply to any group of two or more human beings.
Leaders set the stage and create goals for the rest of us.
“Don’t ask what your country can do for you. Ask what you can do for your country.”
“I have a dream …”
“Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!”
It is not disrespectful to non-leaders, people called followers, to say “Things go up and down in leadership.” Yes, we know that leaders cannot accomplish a task alone. If they do, they are not really leaders but loners. But even the lone ranger didn’t do it alone. Fool or others are always involved. But leaders must participate. This does not mean that “non-leaders” do not matter. It simply means that leadership always matters.
Unlikely leaders are just “normal people.” Not just superstars, spirit giants, or braniacs. Not just Condoleezza Rice or Franklin Graham or Elizabeth Dole or Steven Jobs. Unlikely leaders arise because they care about something beyond themselves. They stand out because they step forward.
You can become an unlikely leader. It is not an exact science. You don’t need a title. You need purpose and passion. In other words, you need concentration and commitment to get things done. You can become an unlikely leader in any field of activity by following or implementing a few principles. The choice is yours.
Unlikely leadership principles:
Character and competence count. While the countenance, its appearance and its connections, its network, are blessings, perhaps gifts to wear, they become hollow without a clear conscience. Tiger Woods and John Edwards are distinctively talented individuals, but their leadership legacy will never be the same.
Use the talent you have. Don’t worry about the talents you are presumably lacking. Not everyone can throw a soccer ball 65 yards into the air or give an inspiring impromptu speech. Work with what God gave you.
Represent something. Revered and remembered leaders are more than themselves. Give hope to others. It works for good. Lead when others aren’t following you yet. Risk and ridicule are sometimes part of the leadership experience, but so is the reward. Change things. Dreamers dream. Leaders lead.
Rosa Parks is called by many the “Mother of the Modern Civil Rights Movement.” He earned this nickname for a simple but profound act of courage and determination. She was an unlikely leader, but a leader nonetheless.
Unlikely leaders are special for the same reason that they don’t mind being special. You can become an unlikely leader. Look inward to find your passion. Look outside to see how you can make the world a better place. Then do it.