The Future of Leadership Is You

I began this book with a simple question: What does it mean to be a leader?

As I explained, it's a question I believe every single one of us in a leadership role needs to answer. The reason is that the world in which we lead is more dynamic and complex. Organizations are facing unprecedented disruption, change, and transformation. Our world also faces complex societal problems. This is placing intense pressure and scrutiny on you and others in leadership roles.

What we know is that the models of leadership of a generation ago are insufficient for today's world.

In essence, we need leaders to be stronger than they ever have been. Yet, every day we see signs that suggest this is not the case. Many leaders have become outright disappointing—and at times even disgraceful. This erodes the trust that people have in leaders throughout society and in the business world. It erodes the engagement of employees.

My work and research have revealed that the root of the problem is a leadership accountability gap. We need leaders in every facet of society to step up and be truly accountable. We need leaders who can lead transformational change and make their companies successful and our world a better place.

Truly accountable leadership is the only way to build an organization that can not only survive in our increasingly complicated world, but also succeed and grow. Truly accountable leadership is the only way we can create vibrant countries and a secure society for all people to lead meaningful lives.

The solution begins by understanding that when you take on a leadership role you are being held to a higher standard of behavior. Many leaders seem to not be fully aware of this. This is why the idea of a leadership contract is so important today. You need to understand that when you take on a leadership role, you are signing up for something important. You just can't take on a role for the title, the perks, or the increased compensation. You need to pause and reflect on the four terms of the leadership contract:

• Leadership Is a Decision—Make It
• Leadership Is an Obligation—Step Up
• Leadership Is Hard Work—Get Tough
• Leadership Is a Community—Connect

When you internalize these four terms and commit to living them on a daily basis, you will reap many rewards:

• You will stand out as a role model to others because your decision to lead means you are setting the pace for other leaders. You will be the leader others want to emulate.
• You will bring greater value to your organization because you'll never lose sight of your leadership obligations. You'll be clear on the value you must create for your customers, employees, stakeholders, and the communities in which you do business.
• You will continually move your organization forward because you won't shy away from the hard work of leadership. You will have the courage, resilience, and resolve to take on the hard work because you'll know that if you don't, no one else will. You will have the courage to have tough conversations.
• Finally, you'll be seen as a community builder. You'll commit to connecting with your colleagues across your organization. You'll help create a climate of high trust and mutual support. You will create a strong leadership culture that will become the ultimate differentiator.

In the end, when you start living the four terms of the leadership contract, you will redefine how you lead. You will be the accountable leader your organization truly needs you to be. The future of leadership is you!

I wish you success in your leadership journey.