Leadership
Why learn about leadership if I do not aspire to a
leadership position?
Are leaders born or made?
A moment.
Leadership is in part a moment, a chance opportunity,
when someone steps forward and says,
"This way, follow me."
A journey.
Leadership is not a final destination we arrive at after a
period of preparation. Rather, it is a lifelong trip toward a
greater degree of self-awareness and interpersonal skill.
A symphony.
art of leadership. The music, though, is symphonic in
nature; it consists of notes coming from many
instruments. This is why one cannot lead only oneself. It
is not that the piano cannot stand alone as an
instrument;
The unique role of a leader is then to provide the energy
and commitment to see this job through, and ensuring
execution is perfect. Leadership is about listening, and
making a real "connect" with others. It is a process.
Step 1: Envision
Leadership starts with having a vision, then developing a
plan to achieve it. It is based both on data assessment
and intuition, hope and fear. It is a noble challenge. A
vision of the future is the key to getting started as a
Leader. Without one, go back to square one
Step 2: Enable
The Envisioning step forces decisions on choices –
strategies, in other words. Leaders must then decide
what methods or tools will be used to Enable the
objectives, and to encourage the right kind of action
Step 3: Empower
Given a clear vision, strategy and enabling tool kit, the
third step of the Leadership process is empowering
people to achieve the goals. There is a ”deal” between
the Leader and his or her followers. The followers and
the Leader have a contract, for success and failure,
reward and sanction, on both sides. Both are given
mutual freedom, yet held mutually accountable. Both are
thus empowered
Trust via empowerment
The overall impact of empowerment is to build trust.
There are many ways to do this, all of which are as
applicable to networks as in any other context. A word of
warning – trust is not something a group can just agree
to have. It is built over time
Step 4: Energize
So, the goal is clear, the plan is in place, and the troops
are both motivated and armed. Still, there is an essential
ingredient missing. The Leadership role demands the
skills of energizing the organization to act
Step 4: Energize
So, the goal is clear, the plan is in place, and the troops
are both motivated and armed. Still, there is an essential
ingredient missing. The Leadership role demands the
skills of energizing the organization to act
leadership scale is balanced between the qualities of respect and
responsibility. When there is respect in an organization, everyone
feels a sense of partnership, equality and fairness. When
responsibility is prevalent, each person is willing to take initiative
and act for the good of the entire organization
INTEGRITY
INTEGRITY
Leaders must be honest, credible and completely trustworthy. A
person with integrity doesn't twist facts for personal advantage, is
willing to stand up for what is right, keeps all promises, and can be
counted on to always tell the truth. A person with integrity makes
sound decisions, especially when faced with moments of
indecision, temptation and conflict. Without integrity, no leader can
be successful.
RESPECT
INTEGRITY
Respect helps create a state of partnership and teamwork. People
who demonstrate respect show unconditional high regard for
others, acknowledging their value as human beings, regardless of
their behavior. The respect comes through in all situations,
Empathy
Treating everyone in the organization with empathy helps leaders
earn trust. Leaders who are empathetic create strong bonds and
are seen as less political. A person who demonstrates the core
quality of empathy:
v
Can understand others’ points of view, including the views of those
who are different
v Shows genuine concern for others
v
Listens with understanding
v
Is respectful even when he or she has nothing to gain from the
relationship
Humility
v
v
v
v
Listens to others with an open mind
Doesn't brag or name drop
Clearly sees and admits their own limitations and failings
Is not afraid to be vulnerable
Emotional
Mastery
v
Stays calm even in crisis situations
v
Reflects before reacting and is able to consciously choose an
response
Emotional
Mastery
v
Stays calm even in crisis situations
v
Reflects before reacting and is able to consciously choose an
response
Responsibility
Responsibility
is the acceptance of full responsibility for personal success and for
the success of the project, team and organization. . Becoming
responsible requires developing and refining the following core qualities:
Responsibility
Becoming responsible requires developing and refining the following core
qualities:
v
v
Takes the initiative to get things done
Takes personal responsibility for organizational success
Self-Confidence
People who are self-confident also recognize the value of building
the self-confidence of others and won't be threatened by doing so.
Self-confidence in everyone builds a sense of partnership and helps
the organization get maximum effort and ideas form everyone. A
person with the core quality of self-confidence:
v
v
v
v
Has a self assured bearing
Is flexible and willing to change
Easily gives others credit
Isn't afraid to tell the truth
Courage
They are willing to risk conflict to have their ideas heard, balancing
that with the respect that makes constructive conflict possible. A
person with the core quality of courage:
v
v
v
v
Champions new or unpopular ideas
Talks to others, not about others, when there is a problem
Accepts feedback and really hears what others say
Takes the ball and runs with it, even when there are obstacles
Focus on the
whole
A person who demonstrates the core quality of focusing on the
whole:
v
Realizes that they represent their company to customers
v
Sees how the work in their area affects the entire project and
the entire organization
v
Gathers information from all stakeholders when making
decisions
v
Shares information throughout the company and understands
the value of a knowledgeable workforce