As a leader, at some point you must decide what you believe leadership is.
I uttered these words in trU Tips 28, and I can’t stop reading them. Most of us lead in places where there are no competency models, corporate training departments, coaching pools, or learning and development budgets. We might not have an exact idea of how to answer this question, and yet it is a question that starts a journey and refocuses a journey. Once you answer it, these next few questions help you chart a path to personal growth AND significance.
- Where do you lead in your life today?
- How would you prioritize these leadership roles?
- How would you rate your performance in each role?
- How are you getting better at ________ leadership role?
In my own journey, the first leadership definition that resonated with me was from Ken Blanchard – Leadership is a partnership, it is working with people to accomplish their goals and the goals of the organization. It fit my voice and my heart. It also does not fit in every situation and I have had to learn to either avoid certain organizations where that model will not be successful, or flex my style when needed to be more directive. I have learned that it is my choice. I own it, and getting there requires help from others.
So as you look at the list of places in your life where you lead – where is self on the list?
I saw a motivational speaker named Brian Dodge speak this week, and he was good – and he did not live in a van down by the river. 🙂 One quote he shared was Belief in yourself begins with knowledge of yourself. We can’t lead ourselves unless we understand who we are, have confidence in who we are, know who we are not, and are willing to ask for help in becoming a better ME.
Which gets us back to the basic question – What do you believe leadership is?
Love to hear your thoughts, and I would welcome any resources/people that have been pivotal in helping you grow as a leader.