We all know this to be true. We have observed it in our leaders, managers, and superiors.
Strong leadership is to know who you are, what you stand for, and have the ability to enable others to join you in your vision. It sounds simple, but it is surprising how many leaders are not introspective and aware of their own values. Leadership requires self-esteem, not only to lead, but to let others challenge you, and lead the way, as well. One must need to have healthy self-esteem to accept challenges and criticism as opportunities to grow within the team. It requires vulnerability and courage in being able to share one’s experiences, as a leader, and to encourage others to learn from them, and be open to learning from others.
As leaders, reflect on the following questions:
Why am I here?
What must I become?
Where must I grow?
If we spend time on this kind of introspection, and realize that an organization has a vision and goals, we will be able to lead from a place that is compassionate, intuitive, and in-tune with our team. We, as leaders, need to know who we are, what we value, and enlist others to come along this journey with us. If your team does not feel like they are part of a shared vision, you will be faced with coalition building, parking lot discussions, unclear roles, and unclear division of labor; a political football to which everyone claims a sliver of ownership.
Use language that aligns with your values. Be clear about how you want to move forward and how team members are a vital part of success. You are a teacher. And, just as a teacher would be facilitating learning, you are also scaffolding the team's success. If they don't have the means to be successful, then, neither do you.
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