Positions, Perceptions, and Power

Teddy Roosevelt has a story where, as Vice President, he was in a hotel during a fire. Guests were told to go to the lobby. He complained and mentioned his position. The manager asked, “What are you Vice President of?” Roosevelt said, “The United States!” and started back to his room. The manager then called him back, saying, “Come back down, I thought you were vice president of the hotel.”

Perception and reality can be surprising. Roosevelt believed his perception of his VEEP status was reasonable, but the manager saw the VEEP position, and the difference between the United States and the hotel very differently. It's hard to account for every possible perception in every situation, but being a bit humble can help.

Leadership needs a bit of ego because there will always be critics who think they can do the job better. Without some self-confidence, a leader might doubt every decision. Effective leadership finds a balance between having the confidence to lead and the humility to recognize that their role may not seem as important to others as they assume.

Just ask Teddy.