I'm a leader, therefore I lead
"A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way." John Maxwell
The more time I spend helping organizations and coaching leaders the greater the alarm bells ring signaling the epidemic of poor leadership we have in organizations today. Look no further than Gallup’s global research and reporting on employee disengagement for proof. And all arrows point to poor leadership as the cause. This is not at all the fault of those who lead in the contemporary organization. Indeed, there are bad apples, but most leaders struggle to lead because of a complete void of leadership training and education all through one’s public and private education experience. My training came from the U.S. Army. I did have a good upbringing with a fairly normal childhood with a father who set a good example, but the Army gets most of the credit for my leadership tutelage. From day one, I was a leader in training and from that day forward the Army provided daily leadership opportunities for me. It allowed me to lead, fail, and try again. Countless mentors showed me leadership – both good and bad. I’m a leader, therefore I lead.
Several years ago, I was listening to a podcast with Seth Godin and Tim Ferris. Seth was speaking of a woman who had written some 100 books. When asked how she did it, she simply stated, “I’m a writer, therefore I write.” That simple, yet profound statement was the fuel behind my blogs. I know I must write – for my own sake and for the sake of my audience. Because I must write, nothing gets in the way of it. I’m conscious that I must be writing. I have ideas to share and lessons to impart. The same applies to my leadership. When I’m in a leadership position, which is almost daily, I lead. Here is what that means.
At the core of any definition on leadership is the word influence. Leading is influencing – motivating and inspiring people to do what they otherwise might not. Indeed, people are partially influenced by the promise of employment and a paycheck, but they are mostly influenced (and engaged) by good leadership. My influence consists of many things, but these are what come to mind as I reflect on leading. These are what I’m conscious of when I’m leading.
Tone. I like to put people and teams at ease. I like to foster a fun yet challenging workplace. I use my humor as a way to do this. I’m always lightening the mood. I can switch that off when needed to teach lessons, admonish people, and make serious points, but I like to have fun so smiling, laughing (often at myself) is how I lead.
Listening & Validating. People want to be heard. I’ve always hated it when I’m trying to make a point and my boss’s mind is elsewhere, or he or she is not interested. I make it a point to close my mouth and engage in active listening when my people speak. This includes customers of my small businesses and other people I’m trying to influence.
Coaching. I’m older and wiser and, while I’m keenly aware I do not know everything, I do have experience that my people do not have. I’m conscious of this so I find myself in coaching mode often. This means, I’m helping people overcome their weaknesses such as a lack of patience, stubbornness, or ego to name a few. As a coach, I’m also attempting to get the most out of my people. I push them to perform beyond their perceived abilities. Finally, I coach them to see the answers which exist inside them – to problem solve and grow personally and professionally.
Engagement. By engagement, I mean present and checked in. I believe I possess a high level of emotional intelligence. I want to know what my people are experiencing in their lives and work so that I may lead them better. I invest time knowing my people and I work hard to pick up on cues which tell me they are struggling, need recognition, or some coaching. When I’m in my leader role, my people are foremost on my mind. I’m engaged.
I don’t confess to have leadership mastered. I do think of myself as a leadership expert because I’ve been its student most of my life and because I’m humble enough and vulnerable enough to know I could do it better and that I have more to learn.
If you hold the title of leadership, think about what I’ve shared in this blog. What is your version of leadership? How do you show up as a leader? Think about it. Grow in the role. Practice its concepts. You’re a leader, therefore you should lead.
Make it Personal!
Rob
Rob Campbell