A position is not a medal to be displayed, nor a “salon chair” to polish the image of whoever occupies it. It is a heavy responsibility—one that may steal sleep from the eyes of those who hold it. Whoever takes on a position becomes the captain of the ship: facing the waves first, protecting the “sailors” behind, and being held accountable for results before anyone else.
What makes a leader truly worthy of the position? It begins with presence, charisma, and broad vision—initial qualities that allow one to read situations and sketch possible scenarios. Then comes the capacity for growth, for a position is a school for those open to development and skill acquisition. Complementing this is adaptability: a leader may come from within the institution or from outside it, and may initially lack detailed knowledge. Yet such a leader may still prove the most capable in thought and leadership if they steer wisely and make good use of the team’s expertise.
The causes of failure are many. First among them is obsession with appearances—falling in love with the robe of prestige and the chair, while forgetting the essence of the mission. Next is the absence of vision and goals: not knowing where the team is heading, nor how to measure progress. Added to this is administrative suffocation, when the leader insists on intervening in every minor matter, signing every paper, and extinguishing every “fire” personally. Another cause is personal stagnation: demanding development from the team while failing to commit to it oneself.
On the other hand, there are practical keys to success: defining a realistic vision, and accepting that achieving 80–85% of the target sustainably is better than chasing the illusion of perfection; building a diverse team rather than attempting to clone “copies of the leader” in every role; and investing genuinely in people—through training, nominating them for programs, encouraging them to earn certifications, and giving them platforms to lead alongside you, not behind you.
A position fades, but reputation endures. What remains after you is a stronger team, more solid systems, and results that continue without your presence. Be humble, honest, and flexible. Delegate authority, and don’t trap yourself in details that drain you and exhaust your team. Only then will you leave the mark of a true leader—not the shadow of someone who merely occupied a chair.
