Leadership is caring. It’s about remembering what’s going on in the lives of those following you. Have they lost a parent? Did they just buy a new house? Are they going through a divorce?
Leadership is common sense. You can implement all the strategies, tactics, programs, and processes you want. But, when it comes down to it, people only really follow someone they believe in, and who they believe also believes in them. Leadership shows up in the day-to-day stuff, in the way leaders make decisions, remind others about what’s important, and have the ability to stay calm in chaos and shake things up when it gets too calm.
Leadership is courage. It’s lonely. It’s about taking the boulder on your shoulders, making decisions, and then moving. It’s about getting those following you to continue to do so. And, when it gets tough, when it gets down-and-dirty rough, that’s when you’ll prove you’re a leader, or just someone with lots of leadership books on their shelf.
Leadership is commitment. You will never give up. Never. Sure, some adjustments may be needed. After all, you’re not a seer, though you do tend to see past the hills and around the next bend. You know the path, even with your eyes closed. Especially with your eyes closed.
And each of these things – caring, common sense, courage and commitment – sends a message to those who follow you. In all, these things let them know you’re worth following.
And trusting.
Jim Warda
