The True Cost of Casual Leadership

Casual Leadership extracts its greedy tariffs on corporations, classrooms organizations and churches, only making withdrawals.

No venue is exempt, it manifests itself in the marketplace, halls of higher learning and sports arenas.

A couple of football seasons ago there was a trend – or should I say plague – which emerged in college and pro-football illustrating this undesirable leadership trait. Football fans watched in disbelief as it cost their team a touchdown or even the game.

There was a rash of players dropping the football before crossing the goal line. Here are three comments of online sports writers at the height of the dilemma.

 “…the most confounding mistake imaginable.”  Rodger Sherman

 “It could be excitement. It could be a lack of concentration.” Andrew Joseph

“The fling-the-ball-away-before-reaching-the-end-zone move has become a gridiron epidemic in recent years…” Josh Levin

Personally, I agree with the assessment made by the commentator of the game I was watching. This senseless action almost caused the team to lose the game. The commentator referred to the player’s action as “Casual.”

As I was watching reruns of College football prior to the late season opening, the comment about being “Casual” ignited this post. This particular player was a leader on his team. He knew better…but he just got comfortable and too “Casual.” The team was depending on him and he did not give them his best.

It can happen to any of us in leadership, not just on the field of play. We have good intentions. Deep down we care about the team, however, for a variety of reasons, we lose our focus.

I have worked with leaders of all ages. It has been my privilege to work with exceptional leaders. Unfortunately, I also have experienced the results of working with those who became “Casual” in their leadership. Careful observation of these leaders suggests several reasons why leaders become “Casual” in the heat of the leadership process:

• Pride
• Inattention
• Self-centeredness
• Laziness
• Lack of commitment
• Loss of focus
• Loss of vision
• Loss of their sense of responsibility

Ironically, most of the teams referenced in the three quotes above recovered from the “Casual” actions of the individual players and won their games. That is good news. But there were still consequences and costs.

So, what are some of The True Costs of Casual Leadership?

• Trust is eroded.
• Confidence is diminished.
• Teamwork is endangered.
• Sacrifice is required.
• Vision is impaired.
• Momentum can be lost.
• Goals may not be reached.

Becoming comfortable while carrying the ball is a receipt for a potential fumble. This serves as a metaphor for all of leadership, because Casual Leadership is costly in every arena of life. People are depending on us as leaders. We cannot afford to become casual!

What has been your experience with Casual Leadership?