Time was when the leader was cloaked in power, charisma, visionary capability, perhaps even a little showmanship. In essence it was all about the individual, about their star shining brightly. Times have changed and so has the world.
In truth, back then but even more so now, great leadership is about the people we lead and how we lead them. We must put our focus on others…on understanding what matters to them, what motivates them, what they’re passionate about beyond work, what skills and capabilities they have that are rarely, if ever, called on in their daily work.
Such understanding is the foundation for stronger connection and relationship. It’s the foundation for leadership that recognises each colleague as an individual, that builds their own sense of self-belief, confidence and value. It helps us, as leaders, create the conditions and opportunities in which our people can use all their gifts and capabilities and flourish.
Simon Sinek talks about the leader’s role as helping others rise. Of course we have many demands on our time and attention – tasks and targets so often take precedence. Yet, imagine what we will accomplish with and through those we lead if we make their rising our number one leadership priority.