Let me tell you a parable about a relationship. It is a sad one because no one could find the wisdom that was already there.
Joint Dream
Once upon a time, two people decided to co-found an enterprise. It was a shared dream, and they embarked on it, giddy with excitement.
Though they had equal shares, every venture requires a division of labor. So, the man became the CEO, while the woman took on the role of COO. She was the chief implementer and engine. He was the leader and the custodian of the vision.
Quiet Investor
This venture had a principal investor—an Angel, so to speak—with quiet influence and wise counsel. He served as the Chairman of the Board and provided input only when asked. Trusting the founders to steer the company in the right direction, he found his reward in seeing the venture prosper.
CEO’s Struggle
At some point, the CEO began to encounter challenges with his team—especially the COO. He had grand ideas to propel the company forward but struggled to gain buy-in.
He talked, cajoled, begged, and even threatened, yet no one followed his directives. Why couldn’t they respect his leadership? After all, he meant well for the business. Couldn’t they see what he saw?
Board Chair’s Wisdom
So, he turned to the Board Chair for advice. They had a long conversation, during which he received a few choice words of wisdom:
Leadership ceases to exist when no one is following. Your role as a leader is defined by how many people willingly follow you.
A true leader does not command followership. Oppression is a tool of power and subjugation, not leadership.
On the battlefield of business, leaders eat last and take the first bullet. They are the principal servants.
To gain buy-in, leaders customise their pitch for their audience. They are patient and strategic, often ceding credit to others.
There is no mission more important than the team’s well-being. People matter more than projects.
A co-founder cannot overrule the wishes of an equal shareholder and fellow co-founder. That would be tantamount to fraud.
If a period of sustained schism is not resolved with wisdom, both co-founders will inevitably go their separate ways. The company will break and the vision gets lost. The friendship will be destroyed, and bitterness ensues. No one wins.
Final Charge
The Board Chair sighed heavily, took a final look at the CEO and ended the session with these words:
Leaders always find a way to satisfy all stakeholders and move the mandate forward. What you need is humility, patience, and wisdom. Share X
Thanks for reading.
For more, read Serving on Boards