Given my line of work, I have the pleasure of regularly meeting and presenting to some of the top business leaders in the world and some of the truly worst. What's interesting is that I learn as much from the best as I do from the worst. The biggest difference I notice between the best leaders and the worst leaders is the self-awareness of the purchase and influence power these leaders have. The strong leaders recognize they play a MAJOR role in infecting culture change and sustaining the ideal culture throughout their organization. The worst leaders delegate or completely underestimate culture change and culture sustainability.

Only leadership has the power to ensure brand and cultural success. There are two types of power:

1. The power to purchase - Both knowledge and money are required to execute culture/brand strategy. Leaders are fully aware of the company business plan, its objectives and strategies. They must know and communicate key strategic information in order to justify investing in culture-transforming strategy.

2. The power to influence - Executing culture/brand strategy requires focus, passion, and persistence. Leaders must have the power and persistence to keep fellow leaders and employees focused on strategy, day in and day out regardless of industry, product, or service changes. Leaders have the ability to heavily influence their organization through a strong focus on consistent communication and the demonstration of behavior in alignment with the organization's strategy.

Let's face it: A company cannot successfully implement a culture/brand strategy without leaders as champions. Leaders have the ultimate power because they understand the whole package regarding the growth of the company.

Implementing a successful culture/brand is leadership's responsibility. Leaders need to check their enormous egos at the door and get it done...it's their job!