What’s In a Name? That Which We Call a Leader By Any Other Name Would Perform Just as Well? | CSU Pro Dev


Lauren Niepokny, Contributor

This take on Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, is different. In the original quote, “what’s in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell just as sweet” Romeo questions why a name defines who he can talk to, who is Juliet in this case. Although, in the world of leadership today, have you ever questioned what defines a leader? What sets a leader apart from his or her colleagues who may have the same skills that they do? Here are three qualities that define a leader today:

1) Innovation.

A leader today must constantly evolve. If a current leader is still stuck in their old ways, some of their methods may become obsolete. Especially with technology. The skills and methods they have learned some time ago may have become more flex or constrained depending on how operations are run. It is crucial to be open-minded as a leader which not only makes them seem more approachable but also aids in a more effective team to lead. Which leads us to mindfulness.

2) Mindfulness.

A leader must be aware of their thoughts and actions as well as their teams. A mindful leader understands the purpose and intention of their thoughts and actions as well as their followers. The leader builds rapport with their team by being empathetic towards their needs and wants. Their team feels understood and not only heard, but listened to. When we are active listeners, this is when we are understanding and in the present moment. When we are in the present moment, we are fully aware of our surroundings and are not distracted, but managing the external and internal noise encompassing us.

3) Risk.

A leader today takes risks. No, we don’t have to bet it all. A leader today takes well-thought out risks. These types of risks are chances that many factors will benefit from. When a leader does this, they show that they are capable of innovating and switching-up the status-quo. They are willing to give and show their team that they want the best for everyone. Risk involves strategic planning, it is not just a whim or an act of spontaneity. They may tinker with the thought of failing but only for an exit plan if anything goes awry. However, being an optimistic juggernaut throughout the process exemplifies how passionate they are to move forward for everyone and the better.

With these three qualities, an innovative, mindful and risk-taking leader is created. Yes, created, not born. Romeo and Juliet were born in to their families names. However, all emotions aside, they thought about evolving into a new generation where their families would get along. They were mindful because they realized how their relationship could hurt others or it could even bring them together. If you know the story of Romeo and Juliet, you know the risk they took. Although for the sake of leadership, their intentions were clear that they wanted to be together. Their original risk was faking their deaths and its effect it had on their families. We shouldn’t be as dramatic as Romeo and Juliet but we can learn their story and how they led their families together. Don’t let your past or present name, position or the skills that you have or don’t have define who you are now, for the rest of your life. Evolve, be curious and plan your chances.

Begin leading the followers by enrolling in the Monte Ahuja Leadership Excellence Certificate program.