Much has been written on the topic of leadership. In fact, if you google it. There are approximately 733,000,000 results.

I have read some of those results. Some better than others but the basic premises of leadership are pretty clear to me. I was and have been intrigued by this topic.

In the spirit to learn more about it, I enrolled in a master’s program that focused on leadership. My program was geared towards strategic leadership. In other words, how to get people on your side to accomplish a specific task or reach a specific goal.  In order to lead, you need people that are willing to follow (shared vision).

My experience was quite fascinating. I learned different leadership theories, success stories and lessons from those that failed. Furthermore, had interesting conversations with my professors about my own leadership style and those areas that I needed to work on in order to incorporate them to my leadership toolbox.  All in all, I learn a lot, but no enough.

Leadership is multiphase, complexed and ever-changing just as a camaleón. Books are unable to prepare you to deal with situations. You just do! Call them survival, preparation, intuition, etc.

While not comprehensive. I have selected few lessons of what have learned about the discipline of Leadership simplified by using a camaleón as an example.

• Leaders don’t need fancy titles to lead. In fact, leadership can and will happen at any level.
• Leadership is not glamorous. You will need to make hard decisions, even if there are unpopular.
• Leaders are aware of their strengths and imperfections. Leaders constantly work on their flaws.
• Leaders are able to shift according to the situation and context. Leadership is situational.
• Leaders learned from the past, attend the present while keeping an eye on the future.
• Leaders have a purpose and understand all the players and their roles.
• Leaders are able to serve from within, out, or in-between.
• Leaders get things done.

What qualities do you see or not see on a camaleón that can be explored for your leadership toolbox?