Those Who Lead

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Great leaders know that their role is about so much more than their position or title. They fully understand that the signals they send to others about their status matters.

As Simon Sinek says:

“There are leaders and there are those who lead. Leaders hold a position of power or influence. Those who lead inspire us. Whether individuals or organizations, we follow those who lead not because we have to, but because we want to.”

Great leaders know the following types of questions hurt morale in the workplace.

What aren’t my people good enough at?
Which areas do my people need to brush up on?
What is holding my people back?
What is wrong with my people?

Great leaders do not turn a blind eye to the areas of needed growth within those who they lead, but they learn to frame up the questions they ask in a much more empowering way.

How can we continue to improve and grow as a team?
How can we work alongside each other to help everyone get better in their role?

Great leaders are always willing to look within and know that they must model true growth and learning. They always lead by example, admit to their own shortcomings, own their mistakes, and seek the real feedback necessary to better understand the impact they are having as leaders.

Great leaders do not separate themselves from those who they lead. But rather, create a strong feeling of community and sense of belonging for all. 

And lastly, great leaders hold themselves and their leadership team accountable for their actions, words, and decisions. Research shows that the most effective leadership teams govern themselves with the same accountability measures that they expect from the people they lead in their organization. 

If you are a leader reading this:

How do you ensure you are consistently modeling what it means to be a great leader? 

How are you holding yourself and your leadership team accountable to the same standards you hold for the people you lead? 

And lastly, how often do you take the time and energy needed to reflect on your own actions, words, and decisions and assess where you may need to get better? 

Thanks for reading.