Why Leaders Matter
Dr. Bryan Deptula
Author of "Leaders Are Born To Be Made" | TEDx speaker | Leadership Training | Owner of the Canalside Inn (Rehoboth Beach, DE)
The importance of a leader
Cannot be measured on a meter
Look at a leader you know best
Think of them only and forget the rest
What does he or she do
That actually makes a difference to you
The best leaders are those who care
They make us bold, give us courage and force us to dare
To be better, moving forward as a pair
They are willing to share
In the profits, growth, and glory
Make their followers a part of the story
A leader like that makes you feel included
Their goals are rooted
In something bigger than themselves
Put their ego on the shelves
So that the collective is better off in the end
Constantly striving to send
All people forward towards a brighter future
Make us believe all things are possible…for sure
Lifts us up when we are low
Pushing us to be better, you know
We can reap what we sew
Turns that frown
Upside down
Takes us out on the town
And throws a life preserver when we feel like we're about to drown
A true leader actually does care
About the lives they touch, not only about their
Pride, self-centered ambition
They make it their mission
To get us what we were wishin
For, and more, is in store
That's why we're buyin what a great leader is sellin
Cuz they ain't just tellin
Their people what they want to hear
Vote for me, free tacos and beer
No, a true leader will steer
His people, organization, and society
In the right direction
Seek to know themselves through deep reflection
Know which way to turn at the intersection
Driving us not for perfection
But rather to be the very best of ourselves that we can be
Helping everyone see
The leader within
And motivate each person to begin
The hard work and sacrifice
That sucks in the moment but makes everything nice
In the days ahead
A true leader never shakes his head
And wags his finger
Doesn't let followers' hurt linger
True leaders take action
Gives his people satisfaction
Of knowing
That the leader is showing
Their words, values, and behaviors are aligned
In true leaders you will find
Qualities and traits that make any person good
It's also understood
That the leader should
Stand out from the crowd
Say it out loud
"I am a leader. Follow me. We are going to get things done!"
"We, together, can be number one"
Leaders make a difference because they drive culture, attitudes, thoughts, actions, behaviors
Leaders are often the saviors
In the moment when we need them most
Humble leaders never boast
About what they have accomplished
They rather tell you about the big fish they missed
And we need to train our leaders, starting before age five
So that our organizations thrive
When you first learned to drive
Goal number 1, stay alive
You take lesson, read books, practice your turns
Staring at the road ahead until you eye burns
And then you take road exam
So comprehensive there's no way to cram
Even then, you still only get
A learner's permit
But, every day, in every organization
We promote people into leader roles without any justification
No training and ask THEM to drive
With no skills and experience, no chance they'll survive
And it's the fault of every manager who decides leader training isn't necessary
But an untrained leader is even more scary
Because a bad leader, an undeveloped leader
Can actually move the meter
In the wrong direction, kill people's jobs
Anger people to form mobs
Hearing the sobs
Of folks who can't afford to feed hungry children
Bad leaders ensure no one wins
People who don't know how to lead make organizational survival
Their arch rival
They make poor decision that have dire consequences
They divide, put up walls and fences
Instead of unity
They drive scrutiny
Oh, we need to learn
That being a leader is not something you earn
Because of a vote or a promotion
You must inspire, feel the emotion
If you want to lead
Make great speed
Towards getting the help you need
Get certified by BKD Leaders
Our classes are 25 seaters
Find a mentor, go to the book store
Read tales and folk lore
About triumphs, kings, and queens
Seek to understand what it truly means
To create beautiful scenes
Where you have done something wonderful for another
After all, it is our divine objective to care for every sister and brother