Lonely at the Top

Leadership is lonely; so then why do so many people esteem to be leaders? Why is leadership often looked on as positive endeavor? For the very reason that being a leader is lonely. Because being a leader is a distinction that comes through effort not position.
Leadership can be lonely because a leader can’t always enjoy the comfort of consensus, actually it is the very fact that the individual is not swayed and cajoled with everyone’s whim that helps to solidify them as a leader. But not everyone can be a leader, like great athletes leaders must practice their art and hone their skills, but most importantly they have to distinguish themselves from the pack. By doing so they move to a position from which they can lead.
Now, imagine a mass of people with someone stuck in the middle to give direction from the middle crowd. It will never work. Not until that person separates themselves from the group, usually by climbing up so they can see and be heard above the crowd can they be effective. From their new vantage point they are in a position to lead, because they have a better position to see and direct.
So what can you do if you are a leader and feel isolated? Well, just because leadership can be lonely does not mean you have to be alone, or isolated. In fact it is critical to get in the mix, talk with others and participate in the organization. By doing so your reality as a leader is grounded and the others you work with will recognize your genuine efforts. My only word of caution is to not to get so chummy that when a tough decision has to be made, personal emotional biases become the determining factors instead of principles of sound leadership, such as what is best for the organization.