Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Do you really want to be a leader?

This is an article (from the Wall Street Journal, I believe) that I cut out a long time ago - see PDF.  I thought it was a sobering account of what happens and what's important as you move up in organizations.  Here is one excerpt:

Aspiring executives who wish to gauge their ultimate potential, or that of others, should ask instead: What level of leadership do they aspire to? And are they willing to invest the effort and make the sacrifices required to take on the responsibility of the position?


The most senior jobs present tasks that are massive, complex and full of conflict. The playing field and rules become less certain. Indeed, part of a leader's job is to shape these things.


Also, the further an executive rises, the more he or she must deal with high-caliber people who know how to get what they want, are difficult, strong-willed and have a sharp appetite for power.

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