Leadership Potential vs. Leadership Ability

Audio Version

Two questions come to mind about Leadership Potential and Leadership Ability:

1. How are Leadership Potential and Leadership Ability individually unique?
2. How are Leadership Potential and Leadership Ability similar?

These two aspects of a leader appear to be separate and even competing against one another. The image of the two circles that are displayed above is a representation of a Venn Diagram. Venn Diagrams are used to compare and contrast two or more entities. Figuratively speaking, let's fill in the sections created by the circles to examine how Leadership Ability and Leadership Potential are unique as well as how they are similar. As we go through this process, we will see how these aspects of leadership are not as separate as one may think but are rather complements of one another.

First, let's look at Leadership Potential and figuratively place it in the left column of the diagram. One definition of potential defines it as latent (inherent, intrinsic, hidden) qualities or abilities that may be developed and lead to future success or usefulness. In my own words, Leadership Potential is a person's ability to grow and develop as a leader. Many factors can impact the ability the leader has to grow. Family, friends, activities, health, and obligations (educational, financial, work-related, etc.) are all factors that can affect someone's ability to grow. Although the potential for growth is always present, some people may not have the flexibility within their schedule to take advantage of these ongoing opportunities. As a result, some people will conclude that they do not have enough time to develop their Leadership Potential and others will start the process even if it takes them a little longer to grow.

Secondly, let's look at Leadership Ability and figuratively place it in the right column. One definition of ability defines it as talent, skill, or proficiency in a particular area. In my own words, Leadership Ability is the capacity (talent, skill, proficiency) that has been developed within someone that influences the way he/she leads. Leadership Ability is based on the knowledge and experience of the leader and is the most visible aspect of leadership. Leadership Ability is directly reflected by what the leader has done and is currently doing within their personal or professional development, maybe even both.

John Maxwell's book, 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership, presents Leadership Ability as the "Law of the Lid". As I read this section in Maxwell's book, his concept of the lid made sense to me and also helped me understand why I need to spend time developing my leadership potential as much as possible. Maxwell's concept of the "Law of the Lid" helped me to understand that the Leadership Ability of a person directly affects the people he/she will effectively lead. If a leader has a lid lower than those he/she is leading it will ultimately affect his/her ability to lead them. The level of success of an organization, team, church, or family has is based on the leader's lid. The leader sets the bar because he/she is the bar. When someone has to work at lower productivity rates and are not able to maximize their potential because they have a higher lid than the leader, he/she can become frustrated. This person will need to decide between staying under this leadership, finding a leader with a higher lid than they possess, or begin to lead others with a lower lid than themselves.

It is almost impossible for a leader with the Leadership Ability of a seven to take an organization, team, family, you name it, to a level that ranks higher than a seven. If this leader wants to take the organization to an eight or a nine, he/she must decide to develop his/her potential and become an eight or a nine. I believe that one of the best ways a leader can develop his/her potential is by surrounding him/herself with individuals who are functioning at a higher level than he/she is. This networking process must not be done haphazardly but intentionally. The leader must also spend time developing through consulting with other leaders, finding a coach or a mentor, reading books, etc. Whatever method used, the process of developing potential cannot be overlooked. To see positive results in the leader's ability, the process of developing potential has to become a habit within the leader's life. When this happens, the organization can improve because the lid of the leader has increased through this process. 

Finally, let's look at the similarities of Leadership Potential and Leadership Ability, figuratively placing the information in the middle column. These aspects of leadership are similar because they both influence the effectiveness of a leader. An effective leader will regularly spend time developing his/her Leadership Potential and Leadership Ability. In my blog post, "What does it mean to be a leader?", I talked about the leader leading him/herself first. When the leader has this lead yourself mentality his/her lid and ability to lead will increase because he/she is willing to take the time to develop potential. When a leader neglects his/her need to develop potential, the abilities will begin to suffer, which will directly affect his/her influence. If the leader does not ignore the need to develop his/her potential the leader can grow in his/her ability to influence others and have a positive impact on the organization, team, church, or family that he/she is serving in.

Application:

1. Read books that will help you improve in areas of leadership that you need to improve in. 
2. Read books about leaders you admire.
3. Surround yourself with great leaders (network with purpose).
4. Do not get complacent in your abilities and invest in your potential.

Conclusion:

Leadership Potential and Leadership Ability do not compete with each other, but they support each other. The only way that Leadership Ability will improve is by spending time developing the Leadership Potential.