There are those who pursue power and influence, in the hope that once they get there, they’ll be able to do something with it. This contrasts with those who have a vision of a better world, and are prepared to do what it takes to get there.
In his article, Simon Sinek suggests this as the difference between Ambition and Leadership.
Sinek goes on to explain why some of today’s Leaders have the courage to make (the sometimes) unpopular decisions. While on the other hand, we see the Ambitious seeking to befriend as many as possible in order to consolidate their power-base.
These are great ideas. However I can’t help but think it’s a bit too simplistic a definition.
It takes great ‘ambition’ to want to ‘lead’ the world towards your vision of a better future. The two are intrinsically linked. The key difference between what Sinek calls the Ambitious and the Leader – is that the Leader sets out on their journey with a clear understanding of their purpose. Whereas the Ambitious hope they will somehow realise it either along the way or at the destination.
This of course fits very well into a narrative about Finding Your Why and Understanding Your Purpose. There’s nothing wrong with this and obvious why Sinek would argue the case this way. However, I’m actually fine with both of those approaches – Ambitious or Leader. As long as the destination is a noble one.
The great tragedy is that there is a third group who belong in a different category. A group destined to live a mediocre life, unfulfilled and apathetic. Doomed to live a life of ‘analysis paralysis’ – this is the group, who like many, do not know their WHY, and will waste their life sitting around waiting for that great epiphany or insight to land on them from out of the ether.
Waiting to discover their calling.
Even if you don’t know what it is, get out there, be Ambitious and start to make things happen. Either you will realise your WHY and create a vision along the way, or you won’t. But at least you’ll have lived a life of purpose.
Ambition versus Leadership – what’s your view?
