Every leader has a title; not every leader has impact.
In my book Measuring Success, I share how twenty years ago, some of the most important pieces of my leadership would get crowded out by the urgent: incessant needs, emails, meetings, and tasks. There’s no doubt that at one time, I valued management over growth.
Leadership impact often comes down to what we are urgent about.
There are 4 foundational actions of leadership. These 4 tasks are where you need to pour your intensity, focus and time.
You have a title. Don’t stop there. Make an impact.
Here’s how…
Care for People
Great leaders care about their people. Great leaders watch over and protect people. Great leaders care about what happens to people. Great leaders are close to people, not in a back room or back office separated from people. Great leaders don’t abuse their team. Great leaders recognize that we must love the people we lead. Great leaders lead with love and care.
Cultivate Your Character
Great leaders lead with integrity. Great leaders are the same backstage as they are on the big stage. Great leaders ask people to follow them because of who they are, not just because of what they say. Great leaders focus on what’s on the inside, not just what’s on the outside. Great leaders can be trusted. Great leaders lead with integrity.
Grow Your Skill
Great leaders lead with skill. They practice. They prepare. They outwork everyone else. Great leaders master their craft. Great leaders are disciplined. They seek counsel and make wise decisions over time, and in doing so, they earn the right to lead. Great leaders are always learning and always growing. Great leaders read. Great leaders study. Great leaders have mentors and coaches. Great leaders recognize that the toughest person to lead is themselves. Great leaders lead with skill!
Lead with Courage
Great leaders lead with courage. Great leaders are out in front of the battle taking the hits with everyone else. Great leaders are willing to do the tough thing…the scary thing. Great leaders are willing to have courage conversations and make courageous calls. Great leaders are willing to speak the truth in love. Most organizations don’t grow because they’ve chosen not to. They have chosen to refuse to have the conversations and make the calls they know they need to make, to grow! Great leaders aren’t cowards. They are courageous.
Do you want to be a great leader? Care for people well, lead with Character, develop your Skill, and choose Courage as your path. Today, are you willing to give yourself to the hard work of becoming a great leader?
By the way, my calling and skill is in coaching leaders!
I would love to help you become the leader God wants you to be!
