These questions appear so many times in articles, posts, marketing, etc. \u00a0They are a bit cliche at this point but nonetheless remain a powerful questioning tool.<\/p>\n
WHO<\/p>\n
Everyone has the capacity to tap into their personal leadership qualities in service to any enterprise we truly care about. \u00a0Developing them, therefore, is for anyone who’s decided to focus less on individual contributions &\u00a0more on others development. \u00a0It can be an uneasy feeling to work yourself out of a job. \u00a0This is the prime spot to live in to support others’ personal & professional growth. \u00a0Giving up control can be hard but ultimately it’s necessary. \u00a0Paying knowledge forward gives credit to not only you but those who’ve mentored, supported & guided you along your path.<\/p>\n
WHAT<\/p>\n
Leadership is about influence. \u00a0Author & optimist Simon Sinek says leadership is a choice, not a rank or position. \u00a0Your positive influence can make a huge difference. \u00a0We will all work with people who choose to focus on other aspects of life & career but recognizing who has chosen to take care of those around them should be supported. \u00a0Respect their decision to lead as a natural part of their growth. \u00a0If\u00a0they act with integrity & not to win power & authority over others they should be encouraged.<\/p>\n
WHEN<\/p>\n
Business thought leader Gary Hamel outlines in his book “What Matter’s Now” that there is no time like the present to transform our workplaces through courage, a contrarian mindset & compassion. \u00a0Courage of character with tactful questioning & compassion for others thoughts\/opinions will make you a great asset for the long haul in our working lives.<\/p>\n
WHERE<\/p>\n
Discovering the right environment where you can thrive in your chosen profession is vitally important. \u00a0What is your preferred way of interacting in the world; listening, reading, hands-on? \u00a0Humans have a great capacity for adaptability but knowing where your foothold lives is a great place to start because you can’t fight your DNA. \u00a0Where we work & how we interact there will set you up for less activity & more achievement!<\/p>\n
WHY<\/p>\n
Because it’s a lonely feeling to look back on a long career to find that you had a chance to make a difference in others lives but didn’t take the opportunity to give back. \u00a0If you are feeling guilty about this then maybe you took too much along the way. \u00a0Giving back as you go provides a sense of accomplishment as we continue to balance taking care of our people & the tasks at hand. \u00a0Ricardo Semler has great thoughts on this in his TedTalk from a few years ago, it’s full of awesome nuggets.<\/p>\n
HOW<\/p>\n
The biggest challenge of leading is taking care of\u00a0the needs of those we work with & the stuff that’s just gotta get done. \u00a0Striving for balance of these isn’t easy but it’s worth it because you’ll approach the people you lead with empathy while getting the right things done for the enterprise. \u00a0Peter Drucker has some great additional thoughts on this in his book “The Effective Executive”.<\/p>\n
Always remember, those who follow after us are vitally important & their development can’t be underestimated. \u00a0Engage, encourage & inspire!<\/p>\n
All the best,<\/p>\n