Let’s kill a myth from the start. A leader is not a boss, nor an authority figure. Not a manager as well. If you've ever hesitated to step into a leadership role because you feel you lack the ability to give orders and instill fear in your colleagues, then you've likely been viewing leadership through the distorted lens imposed by our society.
True leadership is about embodying your most authentic traits. It's about embracing change, making bold decisions, and always prioritizing the human element in your approach to leadership. Loyalty, courage, creativity, and trust are just a few of the essential qualities. But are we born with these traits? Are they attitudes we build? Or some skills we pick up?
Leaders always help others
Mostly, they’re attitudes. That means we can choose to have these attitudes, turning them into skills we can practice and get better at. That's a big idea. It means we can all become the leaders we want to be.
No matter where we start, every day gives us the chance to lead.
These were the central themes of Thunder Talks #3 – understanding authentic leadership, recognizing leadership qualities within ourselves, and taking the steps necessary to fulfill our leadership potential. We wanted to start with a talk where we change the view on how leadership is perceived and then continue the mission with this blog article. So, let’s get right to it.
What Is Leadership?
I like to picture a leader as the captain of a ship in a big ocean. That human who guides and inspires the crew through both rough and calm waters. And it’s not about giving orders. A captain knows how to work alongside their team, helping everyone move toward a common goal and doing the work, side by side with all the people from the team.
Leadership involves listening, understanding, and making decisions that benefit the journey and ensure everyone's well-being and growth. But not quick decisions so you can be seen as everything is under your control. You must analyze the situation, and, step by step, form your final calls.
It’s about motivating, guiding, and shaping others to work together towards shared goals and dreams. It goes beyond authority, focusing on the ability to communicate effectively, demonstrate integrity, and navigate challenges, ensuring that everyone is engaged and empowered.
At its core, leadership is about creating an environment where people and communities can grow and succeed. It involves recognizing unique talents, nurturing potential, and fostering teamwork and cooperation among the group.
But besides all of these notions, leadership can be everything your team needs. Your team needs to be listened to more, then you have to be a good listener. Your team needs more clarity in their work, then you have to be the one who makes everything clear.
What’s the Difference Between Leadership and Management?
Leadership and management are like two different jobs in a company. Management is all about keeping things running smoothly, making sure everything works like it should.
It's about control, knowing what's going on, and keeping things safe. Managers are like the protectors of the way things are, making sure everything stays on track.
Leadership, though, is about making things better. It's about taking chances, trying new stuff, and making big ideas happen. Leaders don't just follow the rules; they make new ones.
They're the ones with big dreams, who think up new stuff and actually do it. Leaders are like the engines of change, driving things forward and making things better.
But it's not just about what they do. It's also about how they think. Managers focus on the "how"—the steps and processes that keep things going. Leaders, though, are more about the "why"—the reasons and goals that keep us moving forward.
It’s necessary for us to keep accentuating the role of every domain, so we better understand what our responsibilities are and how we should act in a certain position.
Starting with the Foundation of Leadership
Being a leader goes beyond just holding a title; it embodies the essence of guidance, influence, and responsibility. In the quest for leadership roles, many focus on the prestige of the position, overlooking the deep responsibilities it entails. True leadership extends beyond mere authority; it requires humility, empathy, and the ability to inspire positive change. How can leaders do that? Here are a few strategies that can be brought to life in a compelling and relatable manner:
The art of detachment
Let’s take the ship captain example. Imagine being in the eye of a storm, calm and composed while chaos happens around you. That's the power of detachment. By taking a step back from the heat of the moment, leaders can gain clarity, making decisions not clouded by emotions but guided by a clear understanding of the situation.
Ownership or own your ship
Handing over the reins to your team isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a powerful way to ignite their commitment and creativity. By giving your team full ownership of tasks, you build a stronger, more trusting relationship with them. When people feel empowered to shape their own work, they become deeply invested in its success. They find innovative solutions to challenges and pursue shared goals with unwavering dedication.
Go to the extreme with your ownership
Blame and excuses only instill stagnation, but ownership ignites progress. When leaders and teams embrace responsibility for their actions and outcomes, they empower themselves to overcome obstacles and drive continuous improvement. It's about facing challenges head-on, with a steadfast commitment to finding solutions and forging ahead, stronger than before.
Humility through a good lens
True leadership isn't about lording over others; it's about lifting them up. By humbly acknowledging the contributions of every team member, leaders earn not just respect but genuine admiration and loyalty. It's the ability to lead by example, inspiring others to follow not out of fear, but out of a genuine desire to contribute to something greater than themselves.
First comes prioritizing and then executing
In a leadership era where distractions and competing demands are overwhelming us, simplicity is key. By focusing on the most crucial tasks first, leaders cut through the noise, ensuring that every action moves the team closer to its objectives. It's about clarity amidst chaos, guiding the team towards success with purposeful precision.
The dichotomy of leadership
Balance is at the heart of great leadership. It’s about finding the right mix between being assertive and knowing when to hold back, between adapting to change and staying consistent. When leaders manage this balance well, they create a stable and flexible environment, ready to handle any challenge with confidence and ease.
In authentic leadership we trust
Trust isn't given; it's earned through actions, not words. By demonstrating unwavering dedication and reliability, leaders cultivate trust not just with their superiors but within their teams. It's about fostering relationships built on mutual respect and understanding, where every member feels valued and empowered to contribute their best.
Truthfulness
Honesty isn’t just a virtue; it’s the foundation of trust and integrity. Leaders who are truthful, even when it’s tough, build a culture of openness and authenticity. It’s about creating a shared vision grounded in reality, where everyone is united by a common goal and a strong belief in the path forward.
In essence, these strategies aren’t just tips for effective leadership; they’re the foundation of a culture where everyone feels empowered, valued, and motivated to achieve greatness together. To explore these values further, check out Leadership Strategy and Tactics by Jocko Willink.
What Are the Levels of Leadership?
At some point, we all seek to push beyond our current limits and become more than we are today. Whether building our careers or working within a team, we often reach a moment when we want to embark on a journey to develop our leadership skills. But what kind of leader do you aspire to be?
"Leadership isn't defined by titles, positions, or flowcharts; rather, it's about one life's impact on another." – John C. Maxwell
John C. Maxwell, a renowned leadership expert, bestselling author, speaker, and coach, offers a guide for those aiming to become effective leaders. This guide helps you understand where you are now and where you want to go.
Five levels of leadership
Curious about how to advance in your leadership role? Read on!
Level 1: Position (Rights)
At this level, leadership is based on the formal role within the organization. The leader has influence and authority because of their position. Their job is to guide the team toward shared goals and make important decisions.
Level 2: Permission (Relationship)
This level focuses on building strong relationships. The leader uses communication, empathy, and active listening to understand the team's needs. These connections inspire loyalty and teamwork, creating a motivating and collaborative atmosphere.
Level 3: Production (Results)
Here, the emphasis is on achieving goals and delivering excellent performance. The leader sets strategic goals, monitors progress, and manages resources effectively. This approach requires accountability, creativity, and a focus on results.
Level 4: People Development (Forming Leaders)
At this level, the leader is dedicated to developing the leadership potential within the team. They invest in helping others grow both personally and professionally. This creates an environment of continuous learning and development.
Level 5: Pinnacle (Respect)
The highest level of leadership is characterized by deep respect and genuine appreciation for each team member. The leader is positive, open, and empathetic, valuing diverse perspectives and methods. By creating an environment where everyone feels valued and heard, the leader builds strong trust and support, setting an inspiring example of mutual respect.
How Does a True Leader Act?
What makes a true leader
A leader's actions are key to the success and harmony of any group, organization, or team. Good leadership means guiding others to their goals while showing behaviors that persuade, influence, and create a positive workplace.
- A leader is not a manager but makes use of management skills - A leader does more than just manage tasks and resources. They guide, motivate, and inspire the team. They use management skills to organize processes and help team members reach their goals.
- A leader carries responsibility, not just authority - Unlike a boss who has formal power, a leader earns respect through their example and ability to guide others. A leader takes responsibility for the success and growth of the team.
- A leader is always there, even if not always in the spotlight - Effective leaders don't just lead from the front; they lead from every angle. Whether it's guiding their superiors with wisdom and insight or empowering their subordinates to rise to new heights, great leaders know how to influence and inspire regardless of their position in the hierarchy.
“Leaders create results by letting others shine.” — Skip Prichard
- A leader is a bridge, not an island - Leaders don’t isolate themselves from the team or act out of self-interest. Instead, they function as a bridge for communication and collaboration among team members, facilitating the exchange of ideas and cultivating a culture of teamwork.
- The leader is flexible, but holds strong principles - Leaders adapt to changes and different team needs, but they stick to core values that guide their decisions and actions. These principles help them stay consistent and build trust.
- A leader knows when to follow others - Leadership isn't just about taking charge; it’s also about knowing when to step back and follow. We don’t always need to be at the center of decision-making. Being ready to lead is important, but being a good follower is equally crucial.
What Characteristics Define a Leader?
Think about the leaders who have left an indelible mark on your life, those who have inspired you to dream bigger, reach higher, and never settle for mediocrity. These are the architects of our future, the ones who shape our communities, organizations, and ultimately, our world.
Now, imagine being in their shoes, being the driving force behind positive change, the catalyst for growth and innovation. It's a powerful thought, isn't it? But what does it take to be that kind of leader?
Here are some authentic leadership traits.
- Leaders take initiative and pursue growth
Leadership isn't just about sitting back and waiting for things to happen; it's about taking the reins and forging ahead. It's about being the pioneer, the one who dares to venture into the unknown. Leaders are always looking for ways to grow and improve. They turn their experiences into opportunities for development. Leadership is a journey, and true leaders know that personal growth is essential.
- Leaders build bigger tables, not higher fences
Good leaders invite more voices to be heard. They value diverse perspectives and create spaces for open communication and collaboration. By doing this, they foster innovation and strong human connections. Leaders understand their role as caretakers of shared dreams, providing the support and encouragement needed for everyone to contribute their unique ideas.
- Leaders embrace the right attitude
ders maintain a positive and constructive attitude, reflecting their inner strength and conviction. They understand that while circumstances shape the context, attitude shapes the response. True leaders lead themselves first, managing their emotions, thoughts, and actions.
A leader is guiding and inspiring the crew through challenges towards a common goal.
- Leaders don't get discouraged when facing obstacles
True leaders see obstacles as opportunities for growth. They don't just overcome challenges; they turn them into chances for innovation. They understand that the path to leadership is not straight but filled with twists and turns. Leaders face challenges with creativity and courage, finding new solutions and inspiring others to do the same.
- Leaders stop pressure, not create it
Leaders who stop pressure instead of creating it have a remarkable ability to align the team's aspirations with the organization's goals. They foster an environment where open communication flows freely, allowing concerns to be heard and addressed. They align the team's goals with the organization's, fostering a culture that values well-being alongside achievement.
- Leaders lead with values, not rules
Leaders who lead with values act as a compass, steering through challenges while staying true to principles like integrity, empathy, and inclusivity. These values build trust and a sense of belonging, inspiring team members to follow them naturally, not out of obligation.
How Can You Start Being a Leader Today?
Leaders aren't born overnight.
“Leadership, like swimming, cannot be learned by reading about it.” — Henry Mintzberg.
They're crafted through a series of conscious choices and actions. So, are you ready to dive into the realm of leadership and start making waves? Here's how you can kick-start your leadership journey today:
Steps to becoming a great leader
Starting your leadership journey today isn't just about stepping into a role; it's about embracing a mindset and a way of being. You have the power to lead with authenticity, compassion, and purpose.
Reading this article is your first step in becoming a leader. Now, get out there and start leading!
Leadership is a role, not a position
Keep in mind that leadership is much more than just a position in an organization or company. It's an essential role that goes beyond formal titles and responsibilities.
In essence, leaders are not only defined by their positions in the hierarchy but also by their ability to inspire, guide, and influence others in the right direction.
Being a leader means taking responsibility for shaping a shared vision, values, and purpose, regardless of your position in the organization. Thus, leadership becomes an adopted attitude and behavior, with an impact on the team and the results, regardless of the formal position held.
So, what are you waiting for? The path to leadership greatness starts right now, within you.
Book Recommendations
- Tribes, Seth Godin
- Dare to lead, Brene Brown
- Start with why, Simon Sinek
- The dichotomy of leadership, Jocko Willink
- Leadership strategy and tactics, Jocko Willink
- Extreme Ownership, Jocko Willink
- Leaders eat last, Jocko Willink
- High Output Management, Andrew Grove
- The Diary of a CEO, Steven Bartlett
