Week one, I attempted to set a common foundation by starting with things off with things we could agree on.

• Leadership development is a critical
• Leadership development is challenging
• Leadership development will differ per individual
• Leadership development requires TIME

It still remains true that, most leadership development sources and professional coaches focus on “rounding out the sharp edges,” by helping individuals identify their “strengths”,while, identifying our shortcomings, derailers, blind spots… aka: weakness.

This has made me ask several questions:

First, “Who do we follow?” (click here to read weeks #1’s post)

Secondly, “Why do we follow those particular individuals?” (click here to read weeks #2’s post)

This week we are in need of asking, “Why do we follow individuals who are “rough around the edges?”

• People often follow individuals who are “rough around the edges.” Leaders don’t necessarily have “all the answers”, they aren’t necessarily “well rounded,” but they do have unique strengths and weaknesses which make them…. ….. genuine / real.  We relate to them, we understand them and we actually enjoy their “rough edged” personalities.  (Are they truly unique and different in some powerful and endearing way?  Or do we admire their ability to genuinely be themselves?) These leaders also have relevant experience, they seem to understand what to do because somehow they seem to have done it before.

Bottom line: No one’s perfect! People don’t follow individuals that attempt to appear perfect because it’s like chasing an illusion.

Action step: Take a moment to leave a comment or your thoughts about, “Why do you follow individuals who are “rough around the edges?”  I’d be honored to hear and have you share thoughts.  How? Simply leave or submit a comment below and personally commit take one step forward from where you are at today.