Page 14 - June2020 FOP Magazine

Field Representative’s Report
Leadership is not about being No. 1
The common misconception with leadership is that it is a rank, when in fact it is actually a choice. It is a choice to take care of the people to the left and right of you. Leadership is not about being in charge. Leadership is about taking care of the people who are in your charge.
Leaders have vision, they do not essentially have followers. This vision is driven by passion, which is engaging. It is the followers who decide to follow leaders due to their passion and vision. The differ- ence between a person of authority and a leader is
that an authority figure will have no problem sacrificing the peo- ple for the numbers, whereas a leader will sacrifice the numbers rather than sacrificing the people.
The common belief is that leaders and authority figures are synonymous. Orders from authority figures are obeyed due to their titles or “heavy collars.” This does not always make their au- thoritative decisions correct. It also does not imply that they are leaders and people will follow them either.
Many authority figures covet titles. When they lose their title, they also lose their proverbial chalice. They are back to using the same generic paper cup as everyone else. The problem lies with individuals in positions of authority who believe they are smart- er, better or more competent than those around them. They of- ten cultivate fear and mistrust among their colleagues, hoping to
create a divide. When things fall apart or go wrong, the authority figure will assign blame to those under their authority. This will perpetuate a lack of cooperation and innovation among the peo- ple. Individuals in authoritative roles often take credit for positive outcomes but seldom take accountability for the failures. This is what separates sole authority from true leaders.
A true leader will take accountability for the failures. When it is a positive outcome, a true leader will give credit to the fol- lowers.
Recognizing weaknesses is essential to cultivating our leader- ship qualities, thereby illustrating our unique gifts because we all have them. Being a leader is the willingness to learn from, and appreciate, the disparities of others and act as a leader in every- thing we do. We have an obligation to share our unique gifts with others to connect and build trust within our communities of family, work and peers. Sharing and passing on our gift to others illustrates our consistency as opposed to complacency. There is a saying, “Don’t confuse movement with progress. Because you can run in place all day long and not get anywhere.”
We need to utilize our gifts and leadership qualities to progress, direct and correct in such a way that this behavior inspires others to follow us during challenging and difficult environments. That is the only way we can bring about a positive change.
Keep working, keep striving, stay safe. See you at work.
ANDREW CANTORE
Knapp Medical Center
You Take Care of Us...
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• Serving Chicago Police Officers and their families since 1957
• We accept Approved CPD Health Plans and all Private Insurance
• On-site Pharmacy
• On-site lab for bloodwork and EKG
• On staff at Mercy Hospital and Medical Center and Illinois Masonic Medical Center
• Convenient Location with Free Parking in rear
Knapp Medical Center LTD Keith C. Knapp, Jr, MD
3303 S Halsted St • Chicago, IL 60608
Hours
Monday 8 a.m.–6 p.m. • Tuesday 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Wednesday 6 a.m.–5 p.m. • Thursday 8 a.m.–6 p.m. Friday 8 a.m.–3 p.m. • Saturday 8 a.m.–Noon
CALL NOW for an appointment: 773-890-0800
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14 CHICAGO LODGE 7 ■ JULY 2020