I was recently talking to a mentor about the leadership that it takes to run a successful startup.  I was expecting him to just talk about the leadership that is necessary to make it successful but what I learned was needed was not just leadership.

He listed off several abilities and roles that are needed – fundraiser – manager – accountant – human resources – marketing – and then leadership.  I then asked if he had all of those abilities and he said nope.  I don’t think anyone has.

My leadership lesson (the one that I’m learning) so many more things are needed – not just leadership.  If you cannot tap into people’s passions, if you cannot tell stories, if you’re not a great listener, leadership won’t be enough.  I know lots of leaders that have no friends – that’s not a leader.

For my other Leadership Lessons.