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We talk a lot about the theory of leadership, but if you want to put the theory of leadership into practice consider that you need to know what to do. Tanveer Naseer wrote a great post exploring whether leadership is an art or a science. He asks us to consider that “what is leadership?” and suggests that this question ultimately gets answered through the eyes of the beholder.
In my post What is the Best Definition of Leadership, I unequivocally state the best definition “does not exist”. Definitions in my opinion are highly overrated. They rarely give us access to any insight potent enough to have us take a differentiating action from what we already know to do or are likely to do.
For example, if I tell you the definition of balance does that help you in any way to learn to ride a bicycle? Of course not. You have to do it. Through a process of trial and error you get it, seemingly in a moment. The best part is once you experience it balance is yours forever.
I think the same is true of leadership. We can talk about it in theory and get an intellectual understanding. We can watch people and make assessments about whether we think someone is being a leader or not, or about what their style of leadership is and whether we like it or not. Yet you won’t really know what leadership is for you until you do it. I’ll suggest if you want access to elevating your leadership you need to be clear about what leadership looks like in action so you can figure out how to “do” leadership.
What does leadership look like in action?
You speak up, step up and/or stand up for something or someone that matters to you, that you are committed to, that you want to make a difference in.
I call these the 3 fundamental acts of leadership. The only way to transform a possibility into a reality is one action at a time. I share my personal story and inspirations about leadership in action on Positivity Strategist Podcast.
Consider that these three fundamental actions: speaking up, stepping up, and standing up, are to leadership what balance is to riding a bicycle. We inherently know we need to learn how to do them if we want to make a difference, if we want to lead, yet until we muster the courage to give it a try we will never actually learn how.
And just like we get balance in an instant when you are learning to ride a bicycle, when you commit acts of leadership you will get what your personal power feels like in an instant. And once you experience your personal power you will have access to it in those moments when you need it most to muster the courage to speak up, step up and stand up for the things that matter for you and make a difference for others.
What act of leadership will you commit next so you can elevate your leadership and access your personal power to make the difference only you can make.
7/21/10: A Midweek Look at the Independent Business Blogs…
Every week I select five excellent posts from this week’s independent business blogs. This week, I’m pointing you to posts on metaphors for your organization, the look of leadership, a vote against Maslow, measuring engagement, and “evidence-based”…
7/21/10: A Midweek Look at the Independent Business Blogs…
Every week I select five excellent posts from this week’s independent business blogs. This week, I’m pointing you to posts on metaphors for your organization, the look of leadership, a vote against Maslow, measuring engagement, and “evidence-based”…
Nice post, Susan. Thank you.
What does leadership look like?
I believe there are several layers to this response. In my experience, leadership looks like recognizing what is important and then vigilantly focusing on it. Whether it is market conditions, team dynamics, cost control, the regulatory environment, or other business imperatives, effective leaders identify priorities and then focus upon them.
In addition, that focus focus must tap into the enthusiasm and energy of people. And this step is the most challenging because it presupposes that one knows what will invoke enthusiasm and passion. For example, great leadership might look like communicating an inspiring vision of success- or getting out of the way and allowing someone else to provide the details and paint the picture. It could involve lots of face time for some team members and much less for others.
Finally, and most importantly, that focus and unlocking of potential must be based upon a leader’s individual purpose. It might be called a personal mission- a Leadership Point of View, a connection to a purpose beyond profit. A purpose that is about creating, giving, and serving others.
Your simple question is such an interesting one because effective leadership can look very different from one organization to another, from one situation to another. from one time to another. Again, it looks like paying attention to what is needed here, now, and with these people.
A rich topic- thanks again for the post.
Thank you Andrew for such a though filled response!
This is so well said: It looks like paying attention to what is needed here, now, and with these people.
I think acts of leadership have more to do with the intent of the action rather than a prescribed set of actions. If we become too fixed in our interpretation of what leadership looks like (or should look like) we can end up trying to “do leadership” and completely miss the mark of what is “needed here, now and with these people”.
(Sorry for the delay in my response Andrew – your comment is very rich and much appreciated!)
Nice post, Susan. Thank you.
What does leadership look like?
I believe there are several layers to this response. In my experience, leadership looks like recognizing what is important and then vigilantly focusing on it. Whether it is market conditions, team dynamics, cost control, the regulatory environment, or other business imperatives, effective leaders identify priorities and then focus upon them.
In addition, that focus focus must tap into the enthusiasm and energy of people. And this step is the most challenging because it presupposes that one knows what will invoke enthusiasm and passion. For example, great leadership might look like communicating an inspiring vision of success- or getting out of the way and allowing someone else to provide the details and paint the picture. It could involve lots of face time for some team members and much less for others.
Finally, and most importantly, that focus and unlocking of potential must be based upon a leader’s individual purpose. It might be called a personal mission- a Leadership Point of View, a connection to a purpose beyond profit. A purpose that is about creating, giving, and serving others.
Your simple question is such an interesting one because effective leadership can look very different from one organization to another, from one situation to another. from one time to another. Again, it looks like paying attention to what is needed here, now, and with these people.
A rich topic- thanks again for the post.
Thank you Andrew for such a though filled response!
This is so well said: It looks like paying attention to what is needed here, now, and with these people.
I think acts of leadership have more to do with the intent of the action rather than a prescribed set of actions. If we become too fixed in our interpretation of what leadership looks like (or should look like) we can end up trying to “do leadership” and completely miss the mark of what is “needed here, now and with these people”.
(Sorry for the delay in my response Andrew – your comment is very rich and much appreciated!)
Leadership in action looks like:
1. I’ll teach you how to do something.
2. You watch me do it.
3. We’ll do it together.
4. I’ll watch you do it and give any insight I can.
5. Now you teach someone else using this same 5 step process (and by the way, I’m here for you if you have any questions).
Leadership in action looks like:
1. I’ll teach you how to do something.
2. You watch me do it.
3. We’ll do it together.
4. I’ll watch you do it and give any insight I can.
5. Now you teach someone else using this same 5 step process (and by the way, I’m here for you if you have any questions).
That’s a great model for actively developing leaders on the job Kent! Internal role models, mentors and bosses who are willing to do this are priceless.
Susan,
Thanks for the blog post. I agree, leadership is something you won’t really know, no matter how much you study and analyze it, until you actually practice it. I’ve learned more through my leadership experiences and trials than anywhere else! They allow me to continue building upon with in combination with my education. But above all else, one must try!
-Robert
This is great