Responsibility, Leadership and Noblesse Oblige

Leadership is a popular word these days. Consultants preach it, journalists either praise it or bemoan it, companies, boards investors and customers demand it. 

The days when leaders were anointed at birth, except in a very few cases, are long gone. Today’s leaders may have great power… or none depending on the authority they wield.  But whatever level that may be, with leadership comes a corresponding measure of responsibility.

“For of those to whom much is given, much is required”

Bible (Luke 12:48)

Through the ages it has been written that leadership and responsibility go hand in hand.  Today, leadership takes many forms. We lead people in organizations. We lead with thoughts, ideas, and experience.  We lead in the development of processes and products.  As leaders, however and where ever we may lead, it is important to remember, leadership is not something that is merely handed to us, it is a privilege that must be continually earned.  For when our leadership falters, others cease to follow. If others choose not to follow, we are not leading, we are simply walking alone.

Noblesse oblige is a French phrase literally meaning "nobility obliges".

The Dictionnaire de l’Académie française defines it thus:

1. Whoever claims to be noble must conduct himself nobly.
2. (Figuratively) One must act in a fashion that conforms to one's position, and with the reputation that one has earned.

(Source: Wikipedia)

An Antiquated Concept or a Timely Reminder?

It’s easy to look back historically and find examples of of great leaders who lived by the standard of noblesse oblige just as it is only too easy to find the stories of those who failed.  In the present day, we are surrounded by examples from both sides of the continuum and everything in between.  Just turn on the news or check your favorite social media platform and look at what what is unfolding in the Middle East, in Japan, in Washington or in your own home town. 

Most of us do not lead nations, but we can lead in our organizations, our homes, our industries and our communities.  What we do shapes decisions, creates products and affects the lives of others in a myriad of ways today and in the future.

We each have our gifts: knowledge, experience, abilities, reputation, and authority.  It can be said that we have been given much.  So perhaps a question to ponder is… “What are we going to do with it?”

 

Thanks for stopping by.  Stay tuned…

Joan Koerber-Walker

 

 

 

 

 

 

Joan Koerber-Walker is a two time Stevie Award National Finalist and Chairman of the Board of CorePurpose, Inc. and the Opportunity Through Entrepreneurship Foundation.  She also serves as Executive in Residence for Callaman Ventures and on the boards of for profit and nonprofit organizations.  As the former CEO of the Arizona Small Business Association and a past member of the Board of Trustees of the National Small Business Association she has worked with hundreds of small businesses and on behalf of thousands.  Chat with her on Twitter as @joankw, @JKWgrowth, @JKWinnovation, @JKWleadership and @CorePurpose or at her blog at www.JoanKoerber-Walker.com.

 

Technorati Tags: Joan Koerber-Walker,CorePurpose,Leadership,Leaders,Responsible Leadership,Servant Leadership,Innovation Leadership,Corporate Leadership,Community Leadership,Giving Back,Noblesse Oblige

Comments

[Dan Rockwell]

Joan,

Your words are challenging and ennobling at the same time. They make me want to rise up and fulfill the call of leadership.

Thank you for a healthy reminder that leadership is not a right, it's a privilege.

Thanks for all you do,

Dan

[Joan Koerber-Walker]

Dan:

Thanks for your note. This is high praise from a leader who gets up early and shares his gifts with others everyday! Thanks for all you do and share as @LeadershipFreak and via http://leadershipfreak.wordpress.com

Joan

[Kate Nasser, The People-Skills Coach]

Hi Joan,
Your harkening back to nobelesse oblige is also futuristic. For leaders to lead -- in any setting -- there must be trust. Perhaps those of yore knew this in their hearts.

Nonetheless, where there is noblesse oblige there will be more inherent trust. Since trust is a tough thing for others to give, all that a leader does to earn it is well worth it.

The same is true for those who serve in other capacities -- medical staff, pastors, and even parents. Much is given and much is expected!

Great post and really deserves to be seen. Of course I will RT on Twitter and share with other networks.
All the best,
Kate

[Joan Koerber-Walker]

Kate:

Great point. In days of yore, the relationship heirarchy was mostly determined by birth. Each group needed the other to survive. The leaders who understood this are remembered for their greatness. Today, we have many more choices on who we choose to believe in. Without trust there is no belief and no relationship.

Thanks for all you do in sharing your people-skills gifts on twitter as @KateNasser and through your blog at http://www.KateNasser.com .

Joan

[Kate Nasser, The People-Skills Coach]

Interesting Joan,

Noblesse Oblige focuses on wht is given -- to whom much is "given" much is expected.

We don't seem to have a modern day equivalent that says: "Much is expected from those who work hard and earn success."

Perhaps that's the difference. When someone thinks they have earned the success, they don't feel obliged to hold themselves to higher levels.

I don't necessarily agree with that yet I wonder if it's true.
Kate

[keri]

Great post. Leaders sometimes misinterpret this idea that much is expected by thinking they have to have all the answers, or do all the talking. In his book The Little Red Book of Wisdom, business leader Mark DeMoss has some great insights, including the important point that when you admit you don't have all the answers, the people you lead can step in and innovate. He writes: "One of the best things leaders can do for their children, spouses, employees, clients and anyone else is make it acceptable not to know. In an atmosphere of honest questioning, people are more likely to collaborate." Good stuff.