Stephen H Baum Leadership

We have been completely distracted from work since two weeks ago. That is when Hannah, our first grandchild, was born to our eldest son and his amazing wife. It has been a wonderful distraction and a period of great reflection.

Of course, we feel blessed to have a new member of our family, blessed that Hannah’s mother is fine and blessed that both are getting stronger every day.

Then, for two weeks we have been observing our own child — now grown to manhood — taking charge as needed at the hospital, preparing the home for the new arrival, lovingly caring for his wife and child around the clock and being the “rock” when surrounded by tidal waves of emotion in those around him.  While there are plenty of challenges ahead, it is thrilling to see him as the person he has become — shaped by experience and education into a leader of his own family. Heredity, hard work, serendipity and good luck each have had a role in developing, tempering and annealing. 

How long does it take to grow people into extraordinary leaders? My own answer is “decades.” Leadership may be revealed in an event or an instant. But it takes many life experiences to develop. If you lead a company or a department or a team, you have the opportunity to be part of the shaping of your people, to offer opportunities to reveal the leadership traits that have developed. And to reap not only the tangible results but the satisfaction of lighting up even just one person to know that they can be extraordinary.