Does this sound familiar? Of course it does. All of us know someone who takes their leadership responsibilities overboard and allows it go to their head and therefore is really not leading at all. With leadership comes great responsibility and personal self-development. It involves more than just having the title. Leadership encompasses heart and a servant attitude.
In today’s world of business, leading others takes special talents that one has to hone daily. When leaders acknowledge that they are not a one person island; they involve and value their team’s ideas and strengths, then and only then does authentic leadership qualities start to take root.
True Leaders value Heart in their day to day and do not hog the spotlight; they are humble and passionate individuals who are deeply involved in the details of business and believe that every employee should be treated with respect and be given the opportunity to do meaningful work.
Leadership should be intentional; so how does one get there?
• Communicate the Organization’s Vision, Goals, & Mission Statement
• Display kindness and compassion for the growth and development of your team
• Take time to know who is on your team- not just their names
• Ask for and value feedback; be receptive to others’ suggestions and ideas; implement
• Express genuine care and concern for your team’s wins and losses
• Recognize your need for the ones on your team- Let them know you appreciate them
• Stop jumping to conclusions; reflect and evaluate; situations are not always what they seem
• Share relevant information. Give employees the information they need to perform in their positions
• Seek critical feedback for ongoing self-development from your team; Admit mistakes
• Follow – Leading sometimes means stepping aside and allowing others to be the leader
• Be available
People do not care how much you know until they know how much you care. — John C. Maxwell
Until Next Time, Be sincere, Kind and Intentional
Jackie Warner, Career Development Facilitator
The Bridge “Where Community Matters”
Email: thebridge.us@gmail.com
By: Jackie Warner
