The editor-in-chief is a leader. It’s the person who typically leads various publications end-to-end. It’s an executive editorT or operations leader. Some of the typical responsibilities of editors-in-chief may include:
- Ensuring that content is journalistically objective, grammatically correct and factual
- Evaluating, editing and contributing to content
- Motivating and developing staff
- Responding to reader complaints and comments
All this to say, I try to live with the mindset of an editor in chief. To me, that means acting with the strength of a leader and the intestinal fortitude to make brave decisions and the courage to take a stand.
Generally, leaders in organizations don’t act like true leaders. Often, people are promoted into leadership based on whose arse they kiss. I’ve seen it multiple times in my decades-long career. Servant leadership, again in my estimation, is almost non-existent. Additionally, decision making is convoluted and often delayed or avoided. As for taking a stand, yeah, right! The only back they have is their own.
Now, I have seen true leadership in some of those I’ve reported to. These leaders where supportive, collaborative and believed in the team.
In terms of individuals generally, it does take a strong individual to take a stand for something and to also have someone’s back. I’ve witnessed this in my husband for sure. He’s always supported me and had my back without question. And I’ve done the same for him.
