This was the question posed to me during an interview for a role in Jeff Bezos’ leadership development team at Amazon. Despite my experience working with top CEOs, I struggled to define this seemingly amorphous topic.
Needless to say, I didn’t get the job.
Reflecting on the question now, it goes almost without saying that big leaders are ambitious and driven, with an insatiable work ethic. They constantly set and achieve bigger goals, never satisfied with the status quo.
On a day-to-day basis, they must be masters at handling complexity while simplifying it for a wide range of constituents. They communicate their organization’s vision and mission with inspiration and impact.
But big leaders don’t just focus on their own growth; they understand that growth only occurs where there are opportunities to learn. They use their organizations to implement their dreams and change the world, often dramatically.
Interestingly, the advent of the Digital Age has brought about a fundamental shift in leadership. Large personalities have given way to greater empathy, integrity, and honesty. It’s not just about being the biggest and the loudest anymore; it’s about creating new realities and making a positive impact.
As I continue my journey as a coach for CEOs and business owners, I’m reminded that leading big isn’t just about achieving success for oneself. It’s about using your skills and vision to inspire and lift up those around you, creating a better world for everyone.
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