![]("//site-2ekapc8x.wsecdn1.websitecdn.com/uploads/o/79e940428d1d41be99e2697362907bd7.jpg?v=242405025120")
Leadership is a choice. It is not a rank.
I know many people at the senior most levels of organizations who are absolutely not leaders. They are authorities, and we do what they say because they have authority over us, but we would not follow them.
And I know many people who are at the bottoms of organizations who have no authority and they are absolutely leaders. This is because they have chosen to look after the person to the left of them, and they have chosen to look after the person to the right of them.
One of the best definitions of leaderships was shared with me early in my professional career – and it may well have come from a book – but it was instead shared in an elevator ride to a very tough meeting. The man I was working for simply said – “this is one of those moments you have to look ugly in the mirror and make it better.”
One of the biggest stumbling blocks for organizations is an unwillingness to be brutally honest about the difficulties they face. And it’s impossible to drive change, and lead others, if people aren’t aligned on why both are needed. You can have a group of supersmart people, but they can waste a lot of energy going down the wrong track, it is for this reason that the leader sets the tone.
It is important to be clear about what you stand for as a leader. In my One to One Executive Coaching, I often ask those I coach several questions to help them develop what I call their Personal Leadership Brand or "Rally Cry". Here are the three questions:
What three values are most important to you as a leader and a colleague?
How have you lived them in your career?
Why are they important for driving success?
When a leader honestly asks and answers those questions, they make the choice to put the people inside the organization first, to sacrifice their comforts and sacrifice the tangible results, so that the people remain and feel like they belong. It is then that remarkable things happen. This takes a commitment to self awareness as a leader.
To do this, it is important for a leader to identify your triggers: the moments of stress that can spark an overreaction. Everyone has some emotional scar tissue, and certain circumstances remind us of the experiences that caused it, sometimes leading to reactions we later regret. Facing your triggers honestly is the first step toward creating some emotional distance from them and controlling your reactions.
Secondly, make sure also to uncover your blind spots. Be sure to close any gaps between how you think you’re leading and how your team perceives you. Be relentless about asking for input: Questions like .... “What do you need me to do more of, less of, or differently to better help you?” Show appreciation when people respond and let them know how they informed your thinking or prompted a behavioral change.
This self awareness also can demonstrate itself by not being afraid to ask for mentoring, coaching or encouragement. It is not concidence that isolation is often found "at the top". Make sure you have a network that will aide with your being able to keep your perspective and stay focused on what matters most. An amazing book that I recommend everyone reads is Measure What Matters by John Doerr. I will speak about it more next month, but check it out!
This month on our Podcast, and in my One to One Executive Coaching, I have been focussing on looking at the question of Leadership:
Episode 131- Be a Fan - The leader that sets the tone. In order to be a good leader, you also have to be a good fan. Find out more
Episode 130 - Leap into Leadership - This requires you to resist the temptation to be a cheerleader for the status quo. Here are some things to keep in mind.
Episode 129 - Are you a Manager or a Leader? Your answer reflects your approach and style. Not sure - start by listening to this episode & find out more
Episode 128 - Change? The summer months are a great time to "check it out", but that is not only a "tourist phrase", it is also applies to our personal and professional growth. Why not start by listening to this episode and find out more?
Episode 127 - Are You the Boss ? Fear & Afraid are two different things. One happens, the other we choose. That choice can lead to intimidation or procrastination of your goals. Find out how being "the boss" helps ensure neither impacts your success - check it out here
If I can help and take my experience of almost three decades as a people leader and help you seek Clarity and Confidence in discerning direction and handling leadership circumstances in your personal or professional life – don’t hesitate to contact me
At Phoenix Life Coaching Canada we work with individuals and teams helping them lead with confidence and grow in clarity. Find out more about how we can help you personally and professionally - reach out today
Remember - Great Leaders Don't Grow Alone
#Makeitso