4 Tests To Determine If Someone Is A Leader Or Not
Not everything that grows deserves to be cultivated.
Much like a young leader, grass and weeds look similar when they are young, when they haven’t yet developed their distinguishing features, and when they’re growing in the same environment. As a result, grass and weeds often look most alike before their true nature becomes obvious.
A young weed, known as a grassy weed, can look just like a desirable blade of grass. Both may appear green, healthy, and full of potential. Only with time do their differences become clear.
There are three situations when this happens:
- In the beginning. Young grass and weeds can be difficult to distinguish before their leaves, growth patterns, and roots mature.
- Under favorable conditions. Water, sunlight, and nutrients can make both grass and weeds look equally healthy.
- Before the consequences appear. Some weeds look harmless until they spread, compete with grass for resources, or become difficult to remove. Much like young leaders.
4 Tests To Determine If Someone Is A Leader Or Not
The same principle applies to leaders of organizations.
- Character and charisma can look alike until pressure reveals the difference.
- Productivity and busyness can look alike until results expose the difference.
- Confidence and competence can look alike until responsibility tests the difference.
- Healthy growth and unhealthy growth can look alike until their long-term consequences become evident.
Conclusion
Grass and weeds can look remarkably similar in the beginning. Time reveals which one is worth cultivating and which one (broadleaf weed) must be removed.
That could be a powerful leadership principle about discernment, character, organizational culture, and the importance of recognizing what we allow to take root.