Leadership isn’t a promotion along your career track. Your tenure has nothing to do with leadership. Expertise, experience, and being liked are not qualifications for effective leadership. In fact, I’ve seen leaders with these attributes actually fail because when the going gets tough or the direction is unclear, they revert back to what is comfortable. In those instances, they hide in their office. Or they start nitpicking with others. Or they pretend nothing is wrong. Or they are out attending meetings—all while the building burns. Leader abandonment isn’t pretty, but it’s not uncommon.

In fact, leadership really isn’t what you do, as much as the perspective you have. Your outlook directs your thinking, which drives the right actions. Leaders worth following have three views simultaneously. An analogy might help. Consider the three views you have while driving your Lamborghini.

You use your REAR VIEW MIRROR to determine your progress. How far have you come? What have you learned? What will you do differently to improve? Leaders use this view to teach.

You use your SIDE WINDOW to remain grounded in the immediate reality. This is the view your followers see and if you don’t account for it, you can appear to be out of touch. What are your people experiencing? Where are your projects now? Who needs help? Leaders use this view to support.

Use your WINDSHIELD view to look ahead. There are always detours, delays, unpredictable and unforeseen situations that must be negotiated. What should you anticipate and communicate that prepares your people for what lies ahead? Leaders use this view to inspire.

Regardless of your level, demonstrate leadership. Just remember: you spend too much time with one view and not enough with another. This week, prompt yourself to get the full perspective. Be a leader worth following.