By: Todd Skinner
With the 41st federal general election campaigns in full swing and all the talk about who is fit to lead Canada, I thought that it would be well-timed to look at one of my favourite subjects – Leadership.
There’s a common misconception about leadership, and it’s this: that only individuals who have C-level titles, work out of a corner offices, and have 20 years experience are qualified to be leaders. The truth is, real leadership has no position. I love the quote from Robin Sharma in his book, The Leader Who Had No Title, that says:
“The CEO gets buried next to the street cleaner. Regardless of your position within an organization or society, the single most important fact is that you have the power to show leadership.” In today’s turbulent and ever changing business environment, everyone has the unique opportunity to exercise positive influence in all directions.
Here are several ways you can use your talents as you work to become a more effective leader and make a difference: (NOTE: If you are in a position of leadership; empower your people to lead where they are! Also, re-read this and take stock of your leadership)
1 John C. Maxwell says, first and foremost, leadership is a people business. Developing strong and sincere relationships with key people takes time and effort -but you’ll eventually you will build trust and fulfillment in every interaction. Another quote from Maxwell drives home this point: “It’s more important to get along with people than to get ahead of them.”
2 Stand behind the vision and mission. Whether it’s upholding the organization’s belief system, a project that is important to you, or any undertaking in your business or life, show confidence, dedication and excellence in what you’re doing and continue to explain why other’s need to truly embrace the mission, vision, values and beliefs as a common goal.
3 Avoid petty negativity. One of the quickest ways to diminish influence is to participate in petty battles. Leaders rise above the fray and choose potentially combative situations wisely. Cultivate your ability to determine which situations are worth your time and which aren’t. Great leaders have the ability to find the truth and reality to stay focused. How important would this situation be to you a year from now?
4 Define success in terms of teamwork. “There is no ‘I’ in T-E-A-M” is a cliché for a reason; the best leaders know their team is the pathway to greatness. You need to develop and establish the key role of each team member, which strengthens confidence and motivates a team that will stand behind you down the road.
5 Lead by example. Just as a child watches and models the actions of a parent, so do employees in the workplace. More than anything, teams want leaders whose beliefs line up with their actions. Nothing deflates a team faster than a leader who preaches one thing, but does not carry through themselves. You are the model – Think about your performance over the past 6 months and ask yourself if you’re proud of the example you are setting?
“Leadership is a journey that starts where you are, not where you want to be.” – John Maxwell. You’re selling yourself short if you believe you can’t lead because you’re not at the top. If you continually invest in your leadership development over time, the inevitable result is growth.
Don’t look back in regret as you reach your last days, discovering that you could have been a great leader and made a positive impact on those around you. Don’t waste your potential being scared, accept your mission and lead where you are!