Fireside reflections
I fondly recall the lessons we learnt at the Sarova LT retreat!
As we set out, the day held great promise, united by a common Leadership bond, called, Leadership. It ended was concluded around the fireplace, with each one, hugging their tea cup or glass of cold water. There was a vulnerability that came with sitting around the fire, which unleashes unrestrained power and gazing into the intensity of the blazing firewood. That in itself, brought on, new perspective.
The question was broached on what was the most significant leadership lesson that came with each one’s experiences.
As the question lodged deep, in that moment, a log could be observed, showering its sparks, as everyone’s mind made the spin. We certainly thought back to days when we were younger and more adventurous. One could say, the length of our experience was shorter than the number of years we had lived. “That is rapidly changing!”
It emerged, as different ones spoke, that a leader must learn to lead and allow others, to follow. Taking your place as a leader, may seem obvious to the onlooker, but isn't as easy as it sounds.
Most people struggle to make the transition, when promoted, sometimes unconsciously resisting others’ from carrying out the tasks they previously handled. A leader must let go, learn from mistakes as they execute their duties, trust them through the journey, and empower them without holding on too tight, to previous expertise. Simply stated: Leadership 101.
Ironically, leading successfully, also requires that you be a good follower. Submission to leaders, brings about consensus, where most leaders greatest assumption is: theirs is to set targets, and determine direction.
Conversely, a good leader embraces the opportunity to listen to those he or she leads and take direction from their own supervisors. The two traits can be merged to enrich a leader’s personal understanding of vision, which they can then discerningly, direct their team toward. Leadership sometimes requires a submission to unpopular decisions, which can be painful. Nonetheless, obedience breeds, Exaltation!
Leadership is about people. “We lead people not processes and definitely not assets.” Common pitfall in leadership is making inferences to followers’ character and ability based on perceptions, rather than a genuine knowledge. Leaders must walk the floor and know their people.
Effective leadership is about relationship. It goes beyond professionalism, to the care and value we wholly, accord others. It has been said, “People do not care how much you know, until they know how much you care.” Everyone requires a reminder now and again, that they are appreciated, a great impetus, to give their best!
Leaders ought to carry praise in their stride, valuing feedback much more, no matter, the vessel that brings it along. When compliments come, glory should be ascribed to the one, who gives the ability and skill to lead, to avoid potential pride. Where is it well-deserving, generous praise ought to be given their followers.
Of significance, is need to invest in a core group who speaks the truth in love, when feedback is requested. “The higher up the career ladder you go, the few those kinds of friends become.”
Leadership is always wonderful and at its peak, when you have the full endorsement and are popular with the people. However, a true leader must be ready to make decisions that may not be popular with them. “It is the honour of a King to search out matter,” as scriptures teach, and after so doing, being a leader, requires making just decisions, and having the wisdom to build consensus around what may be unpopular.
The art of walking around the minefield of organisational politics, perhaps the most bothersome of leadership requirements can be tough. It takes investing in the right relationships to avoid explosions. Diplomacy, which is a form of tact, asking people to buzz off, yet enjoy the journey of staying the course, require the practice of knowing when to speak, what to say and who to say it to. It emerges a winning strategy for matters, politics.
As the night drew to a close, one thing was agreed on: Leadership is a journey in authenticity, not a destination. While leaders may want to protect image, appearing strong and invincible, it is fundamental to learn to share experiences wisely, even confessing our failures, where necessary. Others must have liberty to have a sneak preview in grasping that leadership is not a journey for the perfect, but a preserve for those who are willing to learn from their mistakes, humble themselves and start over.