My brother & I talk a lot, especially since we live so far apart. \u00a0It’s only temporary but in a way it has brought us closer, especially during our “philosophical” discussions. \u00a0We like to “dive deep” into passion areas, share what we’ve learned from books, articles, Ted Talks, work situations, parenting, etc. \u00a0We just go with whatever is on our minds in a healthy banter. \u00a0One thing\u00a0keeps coming up regardless of topic, leadership & its close relationship with character. \u00a0We agree on one point…leadership is situational but character isn’t.<\/p>\n
Character<\/p>\n
Predictability in this area is a strength. \u00a0If we treat people with dignity & respect we can expect them to “pay it forward”\u00a0to others. \u00a0A strong connection to our character can help us overcome ever changing work\/life dynamics with the right amount of compassion.\u00a0 Our display of the “golden rule” helps encourage personal growth & is without judgement. \u00a0We need everyone…together is better. \u00a0Is what we’re doing getting us closer to our goal? \u00a0Only you decide. \u00a0Character is doing the right thing even when nobody is looking & compromising isn’t fun to reconcile later. \u00a0These actions are what we talk about in therapy sessions right?<\/p>\n
Leadership is always “situational”<\/p>\n
Everyone has a set of talents, skills, abilities & passions we need to tap into. \u00a0In a sense, companies “buy” these from\u00a0employees to move the enterprise forward. \u00a0Our ability as leaders to encourage individual & collective wisdom collaboration toward any goal is paramount. \u00a0Sometimes we have what it takes to do this & sometimes we don’t. \u00a0It remains “situational” always. \u00a0Reading the situation to provide the right key ingredient makes all the difference with individuals & the team. \u00a0Knowing when to help more, present a challenge to ignite passion, drop an idea to see where it leads\u00a0or become a partner to great idea development are all opportunities for growth & encourage “leading” from everyone involved.<\/p>\n
Leaders typically do these things so well they become habit…<\/p>\n
Sets a coaching environment & not drive employees; generate enthusiasm instead of inspiring through fear; say “we” not “I”; fixes the breakdown without placing blame; shares how it’s done instead of simply knowing; develops people not use them; gives away credit instead of taking it; asks instead of directing; says “lets go” instead of “go”.<\/p>\n
Ethics<\/p>\n
Character & leadership are tied together through ethics. \u00a0Ethics in its simplest form, to me, is when we can look ourselves in the mirror & are happy with who we see. \u00a0The decisions we’ve made and actions we’ve taken are in line with how we want to live according to our “values”. \u00a0So, ethics is a result of us putting into action choices that align with those things we hold most important in life.<\/p>\n
Life is all about choices. \u00a0We can choose what to value & how to act\/interact with those around us. \u00a0All of this has ramifications on others. \u00a0This awareness is the beginning of leadership development; understanding how we influence others positively or negatively. \u00a0This focus gets us away from aspects of life we can’t control (problems or the past) puts emphasis on the present & a preferred vision of a future state. \u00a0Thoreau said “know thyself”. \u00a0This has to be first before we begin to realize growth as a leader. \u00a0If we can’t “manage” ourselves, how can we tackle the responsibility of leading anyone?<\/p>\n
Two quotes come to mind….<\/p>\n
“Courage is being scared & saddling up anyway.” \u00a0-John Wayne<\/p>\n
“You’re never wrong to do the right thing.” \u00a0-Mark Twain<\/p>\n
Having courage for our convictions is developed through a strong sense of what we believe (values) & staying true to them in our daily lives (ethical decisions). \u00a0This is our platform for leading. \u00a0Deciding to focus on others (leading) with a humble approach guides us to the “right” interactions based on the situations we find ourselves in.<\/p>\n
It takes more courage than we are prepared to admit to live as an extension of our values. \u00a0The diverse situations we are faced with on a daily basis can be tough. \u00a0The capacity to help others creates an “acceptance space” for them to flourish. \u00a0It’s only when we really know ourselves that we can be open\/humble for everyone to develop in the specific ways each situation dictates. \u00a0You’ll inspire others with your solid character & be humble enough to let go to develop others. \u00a0This is your leadership strength, go for it!<\/p>\n
All the Best,<\/p>\n