When in any organisation, it’s important to know to know when your time has come or when to step aside/down from a position or power.
I shared with you previously about the Cornell University course I recently completed, which was titled, ‘Leadership lessons from Ancient Rome’. It was a great course – and there was a module focused on Julius… and what led to his demise.
Now, whilst I won’t go into all of that – there’s key elements that everyone should know. Simple things such as, has the organisation stagnated? Is it still continuing to make progress? Are you meeting targets, KPI’s and metrics that have been set? Is every motivated – even in charitable organisations, are those who volunteer still engaged and attending or have you seen a decrease?
It doesn’t always land on the leader, but most of it has to.
They are the ones in charge – they are the ones who can change the leadership or hierarchy. They are the ones with the ability to grow the organisation and move it from where it is to good, or from good to great.
Some of you may remember, I joined the committee of the local Gurdwara (Sikh Temple). I’d like to think, I helped where I could. Items such as…
- Designed, wrote and distributed a newsletter to the local community on news, events and activities
- Held ‘spring clean’ days, where the community came together to help clean and paint. We also jet washed the car park!
- Engaged local youth groups to hold meetings at the Gurdwara
- Started Gatka (Sikh martial art) classes at the Gurdwara
- Designed posters for the older folks in the community – where they’d organised seaside trips
- Filled out the Gift Aid forms for all the donations received
- … and much more
But after my two years on the committee, I decided not to continue.
Bal, why did you leave?
Well… comes to the point of who are you surrounded by?
Similar to Julius, there’s a few folks who have all the power. Make all the decisions. And whilst that’s fine, in parts (because they’re older, more knowledge, etc…) there’s a whole lack of cohesiveness.
There are leaders within that group, who think they can do better – which is fine, if you can – but when it’s evident you can’t… you got to think, are you right for that position?
So I decided to leave. Many were upset, and suggested that I don’t.. but I can’t be surrounded by people who don’t have a forward vision or, simply… not good at their job! I did share my views on many occasions and what action steps to take… but, well, you can guess.
Whilst Julius did some great work, led battles… reforms, and much more for Rome. Ultimately, his power got to him… which led him to his assassination on March 15, 44BC. And that’s why it’s important, whilst you may have achieved some great work and led some fantastic activities that have resulted in huge gains… remember to know, when to step aside.
Et tu, Brute? [ (et tooh brooh-tay) ] A Latin sentence meaning “Even you, Brutus?” from the play Julius Caesar, by William Shakespeare. Caesar utters these words as he is being stabbed to death, having recognized his friend Brutus among the assassins.