Back in high school, the word “parv” was used as slang to cut someone down or to communicate the person was an idiot. Calling someone a “parv” was also a quick way to get a black eye or bloody nose. Like all slang, it was popular for a while then dropped from everyday use. So, when the word of the day email arrived in my inbox, highlighting the word “Parv,” I was treated to a laugh. After laughing, I began to think of the leaders the word reminded me of. That led to a leadership ah-ha moment.
A parv leader is someone in a position of leadership who “has not yet gained the prestige, dignity, or manner associated” with being a good leader.
The definition of “parv” gives us three keys required of our leadership:
Prestige – reputation or influence arising from success, achievement, rank, or other favorable attributes (Dictionary.com).
Good leaders have a solid, favorable reputation that is built on quality and what is right. Having paid the price for their leadership skills, good leaders are no longer novices, and their reputations precede them. How do you spot these kinds of leaders? They have low turnover; people stay a long time, and there is a high leadership lid around them.
Dignity – nobility or elevation of character, worthiness (Dictionary.com).
Good leadership is built on a foundation of character. Character is what defines leadership “worthiness.” Our leadership cannot be larger than our character. Leadership built on weak character leads with “do what I say.”
Manner – a person’s outward bearing, way of speaking to and treating others (Dictionary.com).
Good leadership treats people with respect, empowers, and gives confidence. It’s about pushing them, caring for them, and growing their leadership.
When our leadership doesn’t support our impact, we become a parv leader
When our leadership cannot measure up to our workload, we become a parv leader.
When we have power without principle, we become a parv leader.
When we have a position without character, we become a parv leader.
The world is full of parv leaders; you and I cannot afford to be one. We cannot be the leader that people quietly, under their breath, say, “He’s a parv!”
To Grow My Leadership, I need to work on prestige, dignity, and manner. Will you step up with me?
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