Isn’t that just for the
top of the ‘food chain’ ? You just want an entry-level job, a
promotion to the next rung, or to simply keep your job in tight times, right? In
today’s world, you think to yourself, you’ll be lucky to get to a
leadership position in the next five years. Wrong! If leadership is not the most
overused and misunderstood word, then it certainly ranks in the top ten in
today’s corporate corridors
.
It’s time to set the
record straight. Leadership is not about title or position or being the decider
, That’s positional authority. It’s not about knowing it all,
creating a fearful atmosphere, or getting obedience from others even if that
seems to be the everyday behaviour in your organisation. No, real leadership is
about collaboration, asking questions that promote learning, and creating an
atmosphere of innovation. And, real leadership is for everyone . Moreover, it
can be honed with practice, but it starts internally and grows from there.
My experience coupled with
research helps me understand real leadership is a way of life. It is a choice
about creating open, honest, authentic relationships that urge others to want to
discover their power and focus on what matters to them and their community. It
is about knowing what matters to you and what you want from your life, not just
your job. Real leaders ask, “what do I want my life to look like
today” not, “what do I have to do today” . Big difference.
There are four simple
principles to keep in mind as you begin your new leadership journey. First, Show
Up. Be present at all times. Leadership is a moment-to-moment choice. Close the
gap between your beliefs and behaviours. If you can’t walk the talk, sit
down and zip your lips. Listening deeply to others and considering their
perspective is a must. Closing the gap creates a credibility path so that others
want to “join” with you and not just be viewed as mere followers. If
you reflect on the difference between the words “join” and
“follow” , I think you will agree that it’s more than just
semantics.
Secondly, Speak Up.
Be heard. Discover your voice. Help others find theirs. Speak from your heart
and create a vision story that offers a script of a positive future as well as
everyone’s potential role in it. Consider today’s story and what the
future needs to look like. Keep in mind who or what will assist or oppose.
Invite others to join. Just because they are working with you doesn’t mean
they feel welcomed. They need to know the benefits of walking the path with you.
Third, Step Up. Be an action
hero. Erase your limiting thoughts. Question everything, especially systems,
policies and procedures. Urge others to blow up their mental boundaries and see
obstacles as opportunities for innovation. Remember , it’s okay to fail,
but always fail forward. Not getting the result you thought you would get from
an action might be the best learning tool on the planet.
Finally, Serve Up. Be of
service at all times. Be an integral part of a diversified cast of talented
leaders. Honour everyone’s individuality. Recognise efforts in a creative
and meaningful manner. Create your masterpiece and help others create theirs.
What’s the best way to
get started? Create a vision. But, not just any plain vanilla vision
that’s plastered to the wall and checked off the to-do list. Real leaders
create a “Vision Story” for everyone to own. With that in mind, I
offer you a quick peek at “The Never Ending Story” , a process that
helps others create a vision that is sure to shake up any organisation, rattle
brains and cause hearts to roll. Here are the questions in brief:
What are your passions around
this new vision possibility?
What is your current reality?
Leave nothing off the table.
What should the future look
like? Expand your thoughts.
Who are your champions? What
are the obstacles?
How deep is your
commitment?
Have you invited
your team to join? What are the benefits?
Why do you want this?
