What It Means to Be a Leader: Unpacking the Essence of Leadership
Introduction: The Quest for Leadership
Whether you’re navigating your early twenties, solidifying your career in your thirties, or seeking a more profound purpose in your forties, the question of what it means to be a leader often emerges. Leadership isn't just about holding a position of authority or managing a team; it's a journey of personal growth, influence, and impact. As we have mentioned in our first article, "Leadership is about the person, not the position." This week we will discuss the essence of leadership, exploring its roots, the characteristics that define great leaders, and practical steps you can take to cultivate your leadership potential.
The Etymology of Leadership
Etymology is the study of the origin of words, their meanings, and how those meanings have changed over time. Looking into the origins of words often reveals greater depth in meaning and helps us look at topics in new ways, giving us greater understanding. The origins of the word "lead" provide valuable insights into its true meaning. Instead of researching the word "leader," which is the noun form, the root comes from the verb form of the word. This makes sense, we want to be known as a leader, so we should do the action of "leading."
The etymology of lead is:
After reading the above, one could simply translate it as, "having others follow while you guide them and show them the way in the course of their duties." I would suggest that is a simple definition of what is above. What the true meaning of the etymology suggests is that others are compelled to go with you, as you travel with them, as the word has military roots of a commander at the front of his army, marching them to where they will prevail next.
What we glean from this description is:
- Leaders inspire others to follow, guiding them where to go
- Leaders are at the front, setting the example, and
- Leaders accompany others helping them sprout new skills and grow into better versions of themselves
The essence of leadership, therefore, is not about being in charge of things. The majority of what we learn from the etymology is about how the leader approaches their interactions with others and serves as an example, guide, and helper for others to follow.
Characteristics of Good Leaders
Good leaders are often distinguished by a blend of intrinsic qualities and cultivated skills. Here are some defining characteristics organized by the principles above:
Inspire and Guide Others
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Visionary Thinking
A leader must have a clear vision for the future. They see beyond the immediate challenges and can articulate a compelling direction that inspires others. This visionary thinking allows leaders to navigate uncertainties and motivate their team towards common goals. -
Decisiveness
Effective leaders make informed decisions promptly. They weigh the available information, consider potential outcomes, and take responsibility for their choices. Decisiveness builds confidence and momentum within a team. -
Adaptability
In a rapidly changing world, adaptability is crucial. Good leaders are flexible and open to new ideas. They embrace change, learn from failures, and continuously evolve to meet new challenges.
Setting the Example
- Integrity
Integrity is the cornerstone of leadership. A good leader maintains honesty and strong moral principles, earning the trust and respect of their followers. Integrity involves consistency in actions, values, and communication.
One of the major leadership authors in the past decade has been Simon Sinek. He has multiple books discussing trust as the foundational element of leadership. Intuitively, we would not follow someone if we did not trust them to serve as a guide and had our best interest in mind. Trust may be given freely by the position you occupy, but it is your integrity which maintains and deepens it. Trust is never static, it must continually be earned and maintained.
- Resilience
Leadership often involves facing setbacks and adversity, both from a corporate and personal perspective. Resilient leaders maintain a positive attitude, recover quickly from difficulties (part of a growth mindset), and inspire their team to persevere through tough times.
Accompany, Help, and Grow Others
- Empathy
Empathy enables leaders to connect with others on a personal level. It involves understanding and valuing the perspectives, feelings, and experiences of others. Empathetic leaders build stronger, more cohesive teams by fostering a supportive environment.
A simple way to say this is to care about other people and show compassion to others. In my own experience, I was never aware how much hurt, pain, self-doubt, and trauma others around me were experiencing when I was younger. Arguably, I still don't. Especially in our current culture where we put our best face forward on social media, hoping to gain attention and status in order to feel like we matter. A leader's empathy helps others know that they matter.
Now that I am older I have the scars to know everyone has a story and is struggling with something. These struggles can be severe or rather mundane to one person, (let alone the person listening), but the point is that people are hurting and struggling and if you don't care about that, then your leadership potential will be limited. The most influential leaders I have experienced were those who pulled along side me when myself or my wife were struggling and expressed empathy and compassion. In fact, I even had a family break into our house to leave us dinner after my wife and I lost our first child. Someone made the call to get into the black pit of sorrow with us to be beside us and accompany us on our path of grief. A leader made the decision to help us when we didn't know how to ask for help-and we were incredibly grateful.
- Communication Skills
Clear and effective communication is essential for leadership. Leaders must convey their vision, expectations, and feedback in a way that is understandable and motivating. If others are going to follow you on the journey, they have to understand you and they have to feel as though you are a trustworthy guide and helper. How you communicate matters. Additionally, a leader should have strong interpersonal communication which involves active listening and the ability to engage in meaningful dialogue.
Actionable Steps to Becoming a Leader
Becoming a leader is a continuous process of self-improvement and learning. However, it is important to point out that being a good leader also requires you exercise being a good follower. Similar to the Tao, yin and yang, and the two sides of Janus, the skills you learn in one go hand in hand with the other. Moreover, you will not be a leader in every situation you step into. You must learn to be the type of follower you wish you had as the person in charge. Below are some practical steps you can take to develop your leadership skills:
1. Define Your Vision
Start by clarifying your personal and professional goals. Said differently, where are you going and where do you want to guide others toward? What do you want to achieve? How do you want to impact others? What value are you offering to others where they would want to follow you? Developing a clear vision serves as a roadmap for your leadership journey and helps you stay focused on your objectives.
2. Cultivate Self-Awareness
Self-awareness is the foundation of effective leadership. Reflect on your strengths, weaknesses, values, and motivations. Seek feedback from others to gain a comprehensive understanding of how you are perceived and where you can improve.
3. Develop Emotional Intelligence
Emotional intelligence (EQ) is the ability to recognize, understand, and manage your own emotions and the emotions of others. Enhance your EQ by practicing empathy, improving your communication skills, and learning to regulate your emotional responses.
4. Seek Continuous Learning
Leadership is a lifelong learning process. Stay curious and open to new experiences. Read books, attend workshops, take courses, and learn from other leaders. Continuous learning keeps you adaptable and equipped with new skills and knowledge.
5. Practice Resilience
Build resilience by developing a positive mindset and learning from setbacks. Practice self-care, seek support when needed, and maintain a balance between your personal and professional life. Some ways to practice resilience are resident in the practices of this section, such as focusing on continuous learning, developing a growth mindset, cultivating meaningful relationships, and intentionally focusing on your character by aligning your actions to your values. Resilient leaders inspire others with their ability to bounce back and thrive under pressure.
6. Give Back
Leadership is not just about personal success but also about contributing to the success of others. Mentor, support, and uplift those around you. Sharing your knowledge and experience helps to build a stronger, more supportive community. Don't be intimidated. You have something to offer with the tools and skills you currently possess.
Leaders are proactive. Look for opportunities to take on new responsibilities and challenges. Volunteering for projects, leading initiatives, and stepping out of your comfort zone demonstrate your willingness to lead and grow.
Lastly, sharing your desire to be a better leader with others and helping them on their leadership journey is one of the quickest ways to receive leadership insights on what works for them and areas to improve yourself.
Conclusion: Embracing Your Leadership Journey
The journey to becoming a leader is unique for each individual, shaped by personal experiences, aspirations, and challenges. Don't be afraid to share these with your team. By understanding the essence of leadership, embracing key characteristics, and taking actionable steps, you can unlock your potential to lead and inspire others. Remember, leadership is not a destination but a continuous path of growth and impact. Frankly, all of the goodness of life is the journey. As you embark on this journey, you’ll find that the true measure of a leader lies not in the title they hold, but in the positive influence they wield and the legacy they leave behind.
Leaderships is about the Person, Not the Position
By embracing the qualities of inspiring and guiding others, setting the example, and pulling alongside others and helping them in their time of need, and by taking proactive steps to develop these traits, you can become the leader you aspire to be. So, start today. Your journey to leadership awaits, and the world needs your unique contributions now more than ever.
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