When you’re the leader, it’s like there’s a spotlight that follows you everywhere. There’s a subtle yet unmistakable extra focus on what you do and what you say.
It’s important to acknowledge the reality of that spotlight. Whether you asked for it, you welcome it, or you dislike it, it’s there. It is disingenuous to behave as though your influence and attention have exactly the same impact as everyone else’s. People notice who you have lunch with, what organizational initiatives you care about, and how you speak about what is going on. The spotlight shows it all.
That spotlight is a responsibility. What do you want it to illuminate?
