How, then can you become a great leader? Here are three fundamental elements:
Lead YOUR way.
Learn, grow and develop, but don't try to be something you're not. Successful leaders are, above all else, keenly self-aware. They know their strengths and maximize these traits to compensate for weaker areas. Noted leadership expert Bill George coined the phrase "authentic leadership" to describe the behaviors of leaders who "know who they are."Develop YOUR go-to support team.
Understanding your strengths means acknowledging - and filling - the gaps. No one is good at everything and no single leader can excel in every situation. Leadership success depends on identifying team members whose talents complement rather than duplicate yours. Moreover, you must be sufficiently self-confident to tap the expertise of these individuals, when the situation warrants.
Find YOUR best place.
Varying situations require different approaches. Although truly great leaders master the art of style-shifting, all leaders have a inherently preferred approach to leadership. Finding the organization and role best suited to the preferred leadership style is key to success. A command-and-control leader has a high risk of failure in a process oriented, people centric function such as social work. Conversely, a creative, free-thinking innovator may not find success as the leader of a mechanical engineering team, where methodical attention to detail is critical. There are, of course exceptions, but the majority of us are most successful when our inherent style fits the culture of our organization and work team.
Becoming an outstanding leader is akin to becoming a world-class musician in an orchestra or superstar athlete on a team. Know your strengths, rely on others to round out your gaps and ensure that you are in a setting that allows you to showcase your talents to the fullest.
Image courtesy of Stuart Miles / FreeDigitalPhotos.net.
