How Do You Lead?
In his book, “My American Journey” Colin Powell states that “Leadership is solving problems. The day Soldiers stop bringing you their problems is the day you have stopped leading them.” This is one of the myriad facets of true leadership… being trusted enough by your people (soldiers, employees, peers, spouse, children, etc.) so they can safely bring their problems to you.
Further, Law #2 in John C. Maxwell’s book, “21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership” states “The true measure of leadership is influence – nothing more, nothing less.” You will not have a long-term, positive, influence over people if they cannot trust you.
“You will not have a long-term, positive, influence over people if they cannot trust you.”
To begin, what is a leader? A good starting point is a quick comparison between a manager and a leader.
Managers are concerned with processes, deliverables, and their own status; don’t rock the boat. Managers also tend to have a bad habit of trying to hold on to what they have; no one can get ahead of them.
“Leaders know their people, they grant autonomy and support appropriate risks while being more focused on growth than they are praise.”
Leaders know their people, they grant autonomy and support appropriate risks while being more focused on growth than they are praise. And, since leadership is about influence, you don’t need the title to influence people. Think of those around you who you respect and will follow regardless of their position. That’s leadership. Leaders also know succession planning is part and parcel to life and do not fear other’s development.
How do we get there? What changes need to take place in a person in order to maximize their impact and the growth of those around them?
First and foremost, it’s not about you, it’s about people. Care for them, support them and allow them to grow, and the victories and successes will take care of themselves. Note that none of the above mean you need to be “in charge of them.”
“Be confident and comfortable in your own skin. Know who you are, both your strengths and weaknesses. This requires uncomfortable self-reflection.”
Be confident and comfortable in your own skin. Know who you are, both your strengths and weaknesses. This requires uncomfortable self-reflection. Be mature enough to admit to yourself you are not perfect, and you will not always have the answers. Don’t be afraid to surround yourself with people who can fill in the gaps. Take some time to sit in the following questions:
Am I the type of person people want to follow or the one others want to avoid?
Is every interaction a power struggle?
Can I think of a leader in my life? How can I emulate them?
Growth begins with knowing who you are; the number one Principle of Armed Forces Leadership is “Know yourself and seek self-improvement.”
“Growth begins with knowing who you are; the number one Principle of Armed Forces Leadership is ’Know yourself and seek self-improvement.’”
Vision Forward can help by walking you into your God-given identity. This begins with deliverance from the false identity and lies that you may have been living under for years or decades. Knowing who you really are brings freedom and a measure of peace that might have previously seemed so elusive. Begin the journey to true freedom and excellence.
Your Best Tomorrow Begins Today.
