What does our Prime Minister stand for? It was a question a friend of mine was asked earlier this week by one of their friends from another European nation. Whilst I’m not aiming to answer this question about a specific individual I want to put it out there as a challenge worthy of reflection for all leaders.
What do each of us stand for and, crucially, would others, those we lead, say the same?
In the uncertain and volatile times we occupy, where problems seem to emerge moment to moment and our attention is focused on putting out the fires the space in which our purpose and vision should sit can easily become a vacuum.
Whilst our leadership may have begun with clarity the shine comes off if we don’t tend our purpose and vision, keeping them at heart of all we do and our interactions with others.
Regular reflection can help us maintain both our alignment with what matters to us and ensure that it is landing with and continuing to inspire the people we lead. Though this may seem like an indulgence in the busyness of the everyday imagine what it would be like if we found that all we stood for, in our eyes and those of others, was that busyness.
As Simon Sinek reminds us ‘people don’t you what you do, they buy what you believe.’