“Leadership is Action not Position,” I recently saw this quote on one of those motivational posters. I didn’t pay much attention to it until recently, I always thought this was just common sense. How can you expect anyone to follow you if you have no idea what it is you are leading them to do?
Let me expand on why I am writing this for you.
Recently, I spoke with one of my mentors and coaches in my life, a man I have followed with undying devotion for many years. We were talking about what true leadership is (he is in a unique situation to coach and train many leaders across many sections of business), he wanted to know what my definition of leadership is.
I told him I felt leadership was simple to define and put into action. I summed it up with these attributes:
- Leaders have an undying faith in what they can accomplish, all the while confronting the brutal reality of their current situation.
- A leader never takes credit for anything, they give credit where credit is due.
- A leader always takes the blame for everything.
- A leader always surrounds themselves with people who are better than they are.
- A leader’s flock shows up every day to make their leader proud of them, they work for the leader first, their company second and their paycheck third.
My mentor dug a bit deeper with me and asked what I felt where the underlying fundamentals for these items to exist? My answer is simple; none of the items above can be achieved without the complete trust and respect from the people who work with you.
I am curious to hear from you — how do you gain the trust and respect from the individuals who work with you?
[Image credit: Bob Reck on Flickr]
Leadership is a funny thing – but in my experience, one aspect is always true – great leaders need great followers. Whether the individual is motivated by trust, love, respect or fear – the ability and willingness of each person to follow is at the core of what makes a leader, a leader.
Thank you for your comment Ian, you make a great point, how can anyone be a leader if nobody is willing to follow! Three key components I have found that every leader must incorporate into their leadership style are:
Accountability
Incentive / Praise
Loyalty
Incorporate all three of these in your leadership style and you will have people who will work for you first, your company second and their paycheck third!
One should undestand that leaders are made. A leader is one that should set good examples by playing by the rule. Optimism, Vision, focus, direction and ability to communicate tasks is some of the quality a leader must possess.
Pretty neat when you really understand what is being said. I have always been in a postion of leadership. Everyone always turned to me for answers or advice when needed and until recently never knew why. I never asked of anyone of something I do not believe in or will not do myself. I have lived by that motto my entire life. Just recently I started really getting into personal development and joined a group of really great people. When you discuss talking with a mentor, it is something I feel everyone needs. I have always tackled life by myself. Never had a mentor so to speak. Finding the right persona to help guide you or keep you on a solid path is so important. I came across your blog the same way I came across Dave’s blog. I was looking for employment, came across your company and was looking into who to speak with. Than I came across the blogs. You guys seem to have a great team there maybe some day we will cross paths. Until than, I will keep seeing what you guys throw up on your blogs. Dave’s post on the Ninja Hauler was hilarious. I will be sure to pass that on to my friends. Take care