What is leadership? Anyone who has led a family, an organization or has been led by others has their own understanding of what leadership means. I am not sure one can easily define leadership with a few words or thoughts. One way to understand leadership is to describe what good leaders do and how they act.
My first lesson in leadership came when I was publicly and summarily dismissed by my drill sergeant from my appointed position as squad leader in my basic training platoon at Ft. Jackson, SC. I had failed to grasp the basic concept of teamwork that was at the very core of military values. I was 20 years old and had failed my first leadership test. I was embarrassed and humbled. My leadership journey over the ensuing 45+ years has not been linear or smooth.
Here are some tips on what it means to be a leader and how to lead:
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The first responsibility of a leader is to define and acknowledge reality. Reality demands attention and action. Facing reality and dealing with it is leadership in action. It is essential to all achievements.
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Leaders are team builders and the glue that holds them together. They embrace diversity and appreciate each person’s unique gifts.
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Leaders are servants first. They must serve the needs of their institutions and their people. They must invest in people and help create long-term assets.
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Leaders must identify, nurture and develop future leaders.
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Leaders make sure that their organizations are doing the right thing as well as doing the thing right.
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It is just as important for a leader to communicate what we are NOT going to do.
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Being a leader means making a difference in the lives of those who they lead.
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Leaders make work productive, meaningful, enriching and fun.
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Leaders are lifelong learners who share their joy of learning with others.
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Making sure that every team has a creator, an enabler and an implementer is the sign of a good leader.
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Good leaders provide a safe environment – one where people are allowed to fail. Failure is a part of the process that leads to learning and growth for good people.
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In addition to hierarchical leaders, every organization needs quiet leaders. Quiet leaders are the ones who are interested in us and who are there when we need them – to help, lend a sympathetic ear and to encourage us when we are down.
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Leaders help us reach our potential.
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The ability of a leader to focus on what is important and essential and communicate the mission consistently is critical.
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Leaders must be visionaries. Visionaries see opportunities where others see problems. They understand risk and have the courage to make bets.
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A leader embraces creative people and their contributions.
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Ethics and leadership are inseparable. Good leadership depends on consistent and clear demonstration of ethical values and behavior.
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Leaders must provide the answer to questions – “Who matters?” and "What matters?”
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Leaders keep promises – especially when the organization is under stress. Leaders who back away from promises under duress lose trust and credibility.
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Leaders must be able to distinguish between important and urgent and prioritize the important.
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Good leaders understand the past, acknowledge the present and embrace the future.
Whether you are leading a company, a family or leading your own life, we must all be mindful that our leadership skills are being evaluated and sharpened regularly.
This certainly is not a complete picture of leadership or leaders. Every leader has their own journey. For me, this journey is a lifelong passion.
