Staying on the Cutting Edge.

7 REASONS LEADERS FALL OFF THE CUTTING EDGE

Why is it that some leaders reach a zenith then plateau or enter a period of decline, while others continue to grow and expand, staying ahead of the pack even into old age? It is true of leaders today, but it has been true throughout all of history. Some leaders keep expanding, making a contribution into old age, while others make the 'Great Compromise,' settling into a comfortable mediocrity. They might retain their leadership 'position' but they no longer serve as true leaders. Why do some leaders fall off the cutting edge?

1. DREAM FULFILLMENT.

Some leaders lose their punch because they finally got the leadership spot they've always wanted. They've arrived, so they quit working. It may have been a lifetime goal—being elected to a certain office or getting a particular church. These leaders work like crazy while they are 'on the way up,' but when they get what they want they quit hustling. Several years ago this type of leader was brimming with ideas and suggestions about 'how to do it better.' In fact, that's one of the reasons he got his current spot - people thought he would actually do the things he always talked about. But he didn't. What he wanted was the position of leadership, not the work. And once he had his dream job, his energies turned to holding on to the position. Leaders who fall off the cutting edge quit pushing after they got the leadership spot they always wanted. Leaders who last keep dreaming.

2. LOSING TOUCH.

By nature, leadership tends to remove the leader from the people. Leaders sense respect, admiration, and even an 'offishness' which creates distance between a leader and the people. Some leaders like this pedestal-ization. In fact, a few leaders actually consider it a benefit of leading. Everyone asks you questions, gets your opinions, hears what you think, and invites you to speak. Soon, such a leader gets into the habit of telling... talking... speaking... deciding... declaring... giving opinions... showing everybody how... giving answers. Finally, this kind of leader loses the greatest tool for keeping in touch—listening. People said of one leader I knew, 'I wonder why he has that hearing aid, he never listens anyway.' When a leader gets stuck in the 'transmit mode,' soon he or she gets totally out of touch with the followers. This leader no longer knows their needs, frustrations, reactions, or opinions. The out-of-touch leader is the fellow who is totally shocked when he is not re-elected or appointed. It "blind-sides' him or her. In fact, this kind of leader will probably accuse someone of politicking or underhanded political hanky-panky. He never sees it coming. Why? Because he didn't listen. He was out of touch. Stop listening and you'll soon fall off the cutting edge. Leaders who last listen.

3. STAGNANT GROWTH.

Some leaders were great when they took over, but quit growing. They forgot that the standard of 'greatness' keeps rising every year. These leaders were on the cutting edge once, but they coasted while their followers kept growing. Soon this kind of stagnant leader is passed up by those he is supposed to be leading. The stagnant leader quits reading, quits attending seminars, stops reading thought-provoking articl