The Way I Am #2: Leadership

First, a very simple question: which chess piece are you?

Fact is, not everyone is born a leader, a good one that is. You can train to be one, but no matter how hard one tries, there are just some characteristics of a leader not everyone has – charisma, focus and let’s not forget the flair and vibe he/she gives to his/her subordinates.

I’m one of those people who have had chances to become some and end up none. Though that’s something a lot of wannabe leaders ‘hate to admit’ it’s very much the reality. I admitted it, how about you?

I have a terrible track record of being a leader. Throughout the years, somehow, people just picked me to lead them in something. At times, I’m auto-elected. At times I self-elect (which is the most narcissistic thing a leader would ever do though I have to admit some great leaders are made this way). Probably people see some of those traits in me (I can be rather misleading) but I never really had the rest. I didn’t have the ego, I didn’t have the charm and definitely I didn’t have the vibe! Plus I’m a softy and a renown pushover. Give in easily to requests = a big NO.

I might not be a great leader, nor do I ever intend to be. I am, however the best next-best-thing: the vice, the No.2, the mastermind. For any collaborations I’ve been that required teamwork, no matter how terrible the leadership was, they always end well when I’m the second man.

And after analyzing all the reasons, I came up with some sort of theory – since I don’t have the ‘vibe’, others see me as an equal; therefore it’s easier for them to approach me. I hear their complaints, I listened to their suggestions and still there’s no pressure because I only need to forward those to the leader. Since I’m fantastic at filtering messages and having some life experience in persuasion, rarely any conflict ever arise.

 

Why would a leader pick me as his right-hand man?

Well, it’s because I’m more of an idealist while they are more of an executioner. I pay attention to details; they see things in bigger perspectives. They definitely need my mind, as much as I need their guidance. If not, they will get lost in the big picture and I’m trapped in the all the details. It’s a symbiotic relationship that works.

So, which chess piece are you?

 

Epilogue

Of course I’m more complicated than you think. Truth be told, I don’t really like hanging out with leader-types. I’m very much more comfortable with the rest of us who aren’t; but that’s a personal preference.

And if you’ve read this far which I doubt it hahaha, the reason I decided to write this is because my boss offered me a partnership in a new business venture of his with a team under us. I’m on hold….and still thinking – do I want to be his No.2?