#565 hats

About 15 years ago, Harvard Business Review sent out a promotional mailing to encourage people to subscribe to the magazine.  One panel outlined a list of roles a leader played (and that presumably were addressed in the publication's content.)  I saved this flyer and have had them posted on my desk ever since.

The roles of a leader (circa 1999) were:
Strategist.  Mentor.  Visionary.  Talent Scout.  Guru.  Futurist.  Champion.  Leader.

I thought, and still think, that it is a very accurate list and reflects the roles I am asked to play on a regular basis.

It was interesting to me to receive a newer HBR advertisement; it had the same general format but included a new list:
Leader.  Strategist.  Mentor.  Architect.  Builder.  Coordinator.  Champion.

Gone are visionary, talent scout, guru, futurist -- replaced with architect, builder, coordinator.  Also gone is clear language -- replaced by metaphors! 

The first list, faded as it is, will remain in my office.  What roles would be on your list?  Sharpen your observational powers and watch what hats a leader you admire wears -- then try some on yourself.

-- beth triplett
leadershipdots.blogspot.com

@leadershipdots
leadershipdots@gmail.com