Larger than life

Jack Layton's (leader of the Canadian New Democrat Party), recent passing – a victim of cancer – was a shock to many Canadians. Regardless of your opinion of Jack's politics / methods, it is difficult to argue with the fact that he was effective. Jack was extremely focused, energetic and charismatic and his leadership in the most recent federal election won his party their highest number of seats on record.

However, in retrospect, the vast majority of votes were for Jack Layton and not necessarily for the NDP party or their platform. In certain ridings, individuals were elected that were unknown to voters and completely absent during the campaign. This voting "fever" was termed "orange crush," because orange is the party's official colour. In the riding that I live – a majority conservative riding – I noticed an extremely large sign on a resident's lawn for Jack Layton. The irony is that in Canada, we don't vote for the leader, we vote for the specific MP (member of Parliament) and the party that wins the most seats forms government. In essence, NDP voters put all their hope on one man – Jack Layton.

The problem with this is that Jack Layton was the NDP party / the NDP party was Jack Layton. His passing leaves a gigantic vacuum. Jack was larger than life and there is no one that can fill the void left by his passing.

If the leader is "it," the one with the all ideas, all the energy, all the solutions and fails to mentor others to become like them and eventually be them; the reign of their organization is finite.

Leaders must work to become irrelevant.

Larger than life

One of the best leaders I had the opportunity to work with

Her expectations were clear – everyone on the team understood. She was firm. She also knew everyone as if her own children and cared for them deeply. She worked alongside her team; coaching them in a way that no would ever consider it coaching. She would never ask anyone to do anything that she would not do herself.

The product / outcome:

Virtually no turnover – other than which would be considered favourable. New hires that did not fit the culture of the business unit left in a short period of time, on their own – they just didn't fit.

Extremely low absenteeism; If someone had to be absent, it was understood that they would find a replacement for themselves. This expectation was accepted willingly as being a part of the team.

Readily and enthusiastically contributed to the greater team outside of the business unit.

Every member of her team was devoted to her.

Highly successful business unit – consistently within the top 5 of the entire organization.

She was a tremendous supporter and positive influence of any superior for whom she worked. I was fortunate to be one of them.

Thank you Donna for demonstrating so clearly what a great leader looks like.

One of the best leaders I had the opportunity to work with

There is no one capable

I must say that I am frustrated when I hear the phrase "there is no one capable," referring to succession – moving into a management role. Actually, it is not frustration – I'm angry. When someone says this, what they mean is: no one is smart enough, capable enough or good enough to do what they do." That is simply arrogance gone to seed! Far too many people put themselves up on a pedestal when given a title.

So I ask, "What I hear you saying is that among the many members on your team, not one of these people are capable of moving into a management position?" "What about this person (name)?"

"They don't want it," is the reply.

Hmmm, the manager works constantly, rarely takes time off, does not freely share information and continually complains showing frustration about their job and their role. I think I understand; if this [preceding sentence] is what a manager has to do, why would anyone, in his or her right mind, want to do that?

Everyone and anyone is capable of becoming a great leader. The only exception would be due to a mental illness (extremely small portion of the population).

Good leaders always develop talent- often unintentionally.

There is no one capable