When Personal and Positional Leadership Come in the Same Body, You Have a Winner

Does leadership strength come from one's persona, position, or both? 

Community leadership status is as often awarded on the basis of position as for personal leadership ability. Positional leadership occurs when a bank board, the United Way board, or the board of directors of the Chamber of Commerce quickly invites the new manager of the local utility, hospital, major department store, or other significant business—who just came to town—to join their board. The casual observer wonders what credentials this person has to become so rapidly integrated into community decision making. Sometimes, the individual is of such personal reputation and ability the choice is obvious. At other times, the only credential is position. 

Personal and positional leadership can be as different as night and day. One perk many corporate managers especially enjoy is the ability to become a BMIT (big man in town) through employer affiliation. Positional leadership is a shortcut to community leadership. But it doesn't hold a candle to the power of personal leadership. 

Personal leadership comes from within. That's where the action is. When savvy community organizations want to add talent to their board or committees they find the personal leaders. These individuals generate their power independent of position and transcend the need to ride organizational coattails. 

Personal leadership always outlasts positional leadership. If your interest is attracting talent, not status, go for personal leaders. If they come with titles, so much the better.