Defining Leadership Letter By Letter
We all know leadership is important in just about every arena of life involving teams, community, and relationships. But do we understand WHY it's important?
Leadership brings out the best in others ensuring we not only achieve our full-potential, but that we grow beyond it. It also sets the tone and the right expectations. In the workplace we empower our team members when a challenge arises. In a marriage we guide our spouse to make the right decision in times of uncertainty. In a community we serve as a voice for our needs.
So What Is It That Really Makes A Leader?
L I S T E N
Leaders listen intently to others, asking clarifying and open ended questions with the intent to understand, not respond.
E M P A T H I Z E
Leaders practice empathy by validating people's feelings, rather than judging the person.
A W A R E N E S S
Leaders take intentional action guided by a combination of self-awareness and general awareness.
D E D I C A T I O N
Leaders are dedicated to their relationships and determined to do right by those relationships in time, actions, and thought.
E M P O W E R
Leaders empower others through recognition, encouragement, support, and guidance.
R E A S O N
Leaders remove obstacles, de-escalate situations, and utilize logic without dishonoring the remaining letters of leadership.
S E R V E
Leaders maintain a steward(ess) approach, developing trust and meeting the needs of others.
H A R V E S T
Leaders build and nourish their teams, planting seeds consistently and patiently.
I N T E G R I T Y
Leaders operate with the understanding that how the outcome is achieved matters even more than the outcome itself.
P E R S E V E R E
Leaders carry on despite hard times, challenges, and losses. They do not simply give up, rather they learn, adapt, and continue.
Leadership is comprised of listening to understand, stemming back to authentic dialogue. However in many cases leadership appears to be about power, authority, and expertise. This is why we see many teams playing the replace-game (constantly having to replace team members who leave, quit, or are let go). Another sign of leadership miscommunication is a lack of advancement among team members (a lack of growth and betterment in the ranks).
Luckily, Leadership is a skill. And like all skills, it can be learned, developed, and taught.
The Real Question: Is Your Team Worth It To You? If so, let's connect and develop the skills your team needs to thrive, together!!