Peter Drucker says regardless of our inherent personality traits, gifts, or talents; we can all become effective leaders. After all, it's this journey that's essential for the success of our communities, organizations, and teams
Here's a "handful" of reminders!
1. Leadership is Relational
Early in my coaching career, an experienced colleague on our staff told me not to get too close to the players. What became apparent quickly was that this wasn't my style. If you aren't willing to give all of yourself toward the cause, other people aren't going to either. You go all in for each other! There is no wasted time getting to know one another to support a positive culture. Giving and receiving gratitude for everyone's contributions strengthens collaboration and helps morale soar.
2. Leadership is your Behaviors
Leadership is influence. Our influence is felt through the behaviors we display consistently. Our behaviors are the realization of our core values. How you authentically show who you want to be inspires others to become who they aspire to be. In our organizations and on our teams, we have to find the courage to model the behaviors we want to see repeated. Instead of looking out of the window, look in the mirror. It starts with you!
3. Communicate, Communicate, Communicate!
Haven't met a person yet who left a job because they received too much communication. This is the foundation of sustaining the alignment of collective employee talents alongside organizational goals. Overstate for clarity why the organization exists, who you serve, and encourage consistent dialogue. Transparency is paramount to fostering great relationships and teamwork. Feedback is the breakfast of champions. Listen, learn, and let them lead!
4. Delegate to Initiate
When you're experiencing frustration and procrastination it's time to collaborate to redelegate. When what people are asked to do is primarily aligned with their strengths it taps into their natural motivations. Getting to know our team members' gifts and talents our natural response is to collaborate. Providing the opportunity to grow everyone's strengths solidifies ownership of responsibilities, enhances productivity, fosters innovation, and boosts morale.
5. Lifelong Learning
Your road to effective leadership is paved with consistent growth. Staying in touch with your natural curiosity, and increasing self-awareness through feedback enhances applicable knowledge, skills, and abilities. The investment in your personal and professional development is always time well spent. Your example encourages a culture of running experiments by taking appropriate risks helps the team adapt quickly to challenges and take advantage of opportunities.
No list incorporates everything we need to know about being the best leader we can be. Most of what's here you already know, it's just nice for us to get reminders every once in a while. Through reflection on these principles and application into your approach, you will engage and inspire others. By helping others reach their full potential we can move away from surviving and start thriving together!
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