Leadership Isn’t a Title... Are You Leading or Just Holding a Spot ?
·8 min
The episode opens by congratulating listeners who may have recently been promoted or received new titles. Bob Risch immediately subverts this by stating that promotion does not make someone a leader. He explains that new leaders often either copy bad leadership they've experienced or freeze because they expected a manual. The central question 'What makes a leader?' is posed repeatedly. Risch then delves into a historical example from Acts chapter 6 in the Bible. He describes how the early apostles, overwhelmed with work, sought helpers. They specifically looked for people who were already leading and serving, not those waiting for a title. The first deacons were chosen because they had already set a standard of service without any formal accolades. Risch emphasizes that the title came because they were already leading, not the other way around. He connects this to modern workplaces, asking listeners if they've experienced leaders who bark orders instead of serving. He states that titles don't earn trust and positions don't inspire people. The episode cites John Maxwell's definition that leadership is influence. Risch advises listeners to lead where they are right now, before any title is given. He stresses the importance of setting standards, being an example, and showing integrity, consistency, and humility proactively. The practical challenge is to earn trust through action so that leadership recognition simply acknowledges existing behavior. The episode concludes with a call to subscribe and share, and a promotion for Caveat Coach services.
