What is leadership? How do we define it? If you do a Google search, you will find many definitions. I was recently asked to give my definition of leadership. To me, it is how you guide, influence, and support those entrusted to you. No matter the circumstances of how an individual comes under your leadership, you are given a critical responsibility to every person that is under your helm. It is important to self-assess your leadership on a regular basis to help you grow and improve. As part of that assessment, here are some questions you may want to ask yourself:
- Are you pointing people in the right direction?
- As a leader, people trust you to make the right decisions and give proper guidance to your team. Collaboration and empowering your team to be part of the decision-making process will also lead down a successful path. At the same time, you lead by example. Do your words and actions line up, or are you demonstrating behavior that could cause confusion or a negative perception?
- Are you showing others how to be better people?
- This is also part of leading by example. It can also include storytelling to share your experiences. When others hear of your successes and mistakes and what you have learned along the way, it could be the one thing they need to move forward in a decision. It could also make someone feel like they are not alone in the situation they are facing. When you do make a mistake, be honest with your team and discuss how it can be corrected. In some instances, it may become another opportunity of collaboration where your team members may have insights to bring the best solution forth.
- Are you cheering people on to growth or are you giving orders based only on what you want accomplished?
- There are leaders the encourage, and there are leaders that discourage. The leader that encourages their people to grow and find opportunities to learn new things makes a difference in their team and among their colleagues. The leader that discourages often experiences more turnover, decreased team morale, and resistance when attempting to bring forth change.
As you think about your leadership journey, I encourage you to ask yourself these questions. If you have not thought about your definition of leadership, take some time to reflect on that as well. Please share your definitions in the comments!
The Secret Sauce 