Page 30 - The New Articulate Executive_ Look, Act and Sound Like a Leader

ALPHA DOGS AND WORKER BEES 21

Not everyone is born to be a leader like Alex, but almost everyone
can learn how. If you choose to lead, then you can move to the head
of the line—simply by practicing protocols that can help take you
there.
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You are the change agent and the visionary, the one who will create
new industries, help people navigate through tough times, and pave
the way for ongoing growth and a successful future. You are the
potential alpha dog. You may even be the transformative leader or
possibly even the threshold leader.
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On the other hand, if like Sam you elect not to be a leader, for
any number of reasons, then good for you. Without you, business
would grind to a halt and the entire country would shut down. You
are the worker bee, content in your role as functionary, collecting
the paycheck, and enjoying your time off.
But for the potential alpha dogs—for those willing to accept the
challenge, risk, and reward of thinking large and reaching high—
you still need to understand what it takes to position yourself as a
leader. As I have said, brains and talent alone will not necessarily
cut it.
If I had to give America’s future business leaders the best advice
in the shortest time, this is what I would tell them:
1. Understand who you really are and what you really want. Are you
an alpha dog or worker bee? Choose one and be happy with
your choice (if you are reading this, you are likely a potential
alpha dog).
2. Do you have a vision? Leaders need a vision. They need to see,
as Bill Gates says, the road ahead. Then they need to know
how to get down the road. To do that, they need to know how
to articulate a road map for that vision that others will follow.
If they can’t articulate, they can’t lead.