Which profession embodies leadership the most
For years and years, politics has been the de facto leadership profession. When people thought of leadership, they thought of politics. If you were destined to be a great leader, then you were probably moving towards the political scene in some form or fashion.
Lately, I’m not sure that’s the case. Seems the leadership landscape has shifted. But towards where?
1. Business- corporate arena.
2. Entrepreneurs- more leaders are just simply starting their own deal
3. Thought leaders, authors, writers and speakers
4. Technology- Facebook, Twitter, Google, Apple, Microsoft, etc.
5. Education- teachers, coaches, and educators
6. The Church- pastors, musicians and full time church staff
What say you? Which profession do you think embodies leadership the most?
I must say Entrepreneurs. Engaging others to create something from nothing is pretty daunting. Especially when it involves going against the crowd…
I’d say Government.
…not that they’re leading in the best way possible, right now.
Technology, because the competition is so fierce, and the rate of change is drastic. To get a group of people on the same page in an ever changing and cut-throat environment takes foresight, character, and an incredible will.
While entrepreneurs have a very difficult job, they’re rarely good leaders once their idea takes off. Also, I respect leaders in business, the church, and education, however, they don’t often venture into cutting-edge territory on a regular basis. Thought leaders are important, but they don’t really have to lead.
I’d say entrepereneurs for one big reason: Entrepreneurial leadership is being seen in all of the other areas you mentioned. Guys & gals who are either being squeezed out of the existing systems or who are setting out to oppose the system are rising up all over the place. You might even say some of our recent political figures (ie. Herman Cain) are entrepreneurial in the sense that they’re not what our generation views as classic politicians. Whether its entrepreneurs like Zuckerberg in the tech world or some of the great entrepreneurial ministry leaders, entrepreneurial leadership is driving a lot of the changes we’re seeing in our culture. Of course, that’s just my 2 cents…
I would say the church, because you deal mostly with volunteers.
I think that another category at least deserves to be on the list. The United States Military is still, in many ways, one of the premier leadership development organizations in the world. Many of these men and women go on to serve at high levels in many different fields after their service is done.
As for your question though, I think the Church embodies leadership the most. Our mandate is bigger than any Fortune 500 Company’s, our task is much greater, and we are working with mostly volunteers to accomplish it.
Great question!