In the Corporate world I have seen the word “Leadership” get used in many ways. Depending on who you talk to and what meeting you are in, that definition can be quite different. In observing “Leaderships” actions day to day, I have had and continue to have opportunities to define what it means for me to be in that mixing bowl and reflect on how that aligns to what I believe in.
Depending on your environment you could observe that word being used as only a regurgitation of rhetoric with no other purpose than to check a box. Or you could find yourself having the most genuine, authentic talk with someone and that word blooms a beautiful display of empowered actions that creates an environment of endless opportunities and possibilities.
Just like a geographical move to another place does not eliminate the same worries or problems you had at the last place unless you decide to change within, (thanks, Hemmingway) it is not always about changing the work environment, corporation or perhaps your personal relationships. But…your work environment and personal relationships can influence the way you decide to maneuver through your own leadership terrain in your day-to-day choices. Some days, you may need to be your own cheerleader, Coach, teammate to make sure you run into your huddle with the plays you’ve run a thousand time in practice to make sure you hit YOUR target. No interceptions, fumbles or turnovers to the other team to give the ball away. You are the one that sets the pace and calls the plays for the game and leads your life. Yes, I like college football…Go Huskers! Don’t let your environment sack you!
And just because you may have a “Leadership” role in the corporate world, be called a “Leader” or be viewed a “Leader” in a certain arena, platform or community does not always mean you are one depending on how each of us views what a Leader is. We all have our own definitions of what Leadership means to us and what it looks like. I believe we are all Leaders of our own life. I also believe our voice always matters and there is no title that you can attach to your name that tells you when you can or cannot speak up or take action. You have that choice at any moment in your life.
What are some practices that I choose to follow in my life and that I consider what being a Leader means to me? Well…below are a few that are important to me that I try not to lose sight of everyday, and I know there are others that I will think of that will float into my consciousness when I am out actively meditating in my garden. And since I really do love a great quote, instead of elaborating more with wordy paragraphs, I will keep it simple with quotes that resonate with me from individuals that I would choose to sit across the table from and have a coffee or a dram that could consist of hours of conversation or just quiet connections holding space for another being as you honor their presence next to you.
So, if you’ve never reflected on how you define Leadership in your life, or you have and maybe it’s time to check in and see if it still means that same thing to you now that you are at a different point in your life, I would encourage you to watch the game footage of the plays you’ve made lately. Maybe you see on that footage some of your own choices that you need to re-evaluate to change and stay where you are. Or maybe it truly is time to find a new team and support staff that aligns to what being a Leader means to you. Have that coffee or dram or heck, pour the dram into the coffee if that’s what you like and have that conversation with yourself and see what bubbles up.
Self-Awareness
“You can’t get away from yourself by moving from one place to another.” Ernest Hemingway
Self-Reflection
“Enlightenment, joy, and peace can never be given to you by another. The well is inside you.” Thich Nhat Hanh
Active Listening
“Think about the people in your life with whom you have the most engaging dialogue—the ones who will listen to you and consider your opinions regardless of the topic. They’ll stop whatever they are doing to give you their full attention. They become completely present and hear you.”
― Susan C. Young, The Art of Communication:
Have Courageous Conversations
“When we love, we are courageous; and courage has nothing to do with being fearless, it’s about being willing to experience fear, even dread, to do what we must, without guarantee of outcome.”- VANNA BONTA
Lean In and Back off
“The difference between backing off and doing nothing may appear subtle, but it’s not. A leader who backs off is making a commitment to the power of the tribe, and is alert to the right moment to step back in. Someone who is doing nothing is merely hiding. Leadership is a choice. It is the choice to not do nothing. Lean in, back off, but don’t do nothing.”
― Seth Godin, Tribes: We Need You to Lead Us
Be Clear about Expectations and Boundaries
“One of the things I talk a lot about in my work that I try to practice – which is really hard – is in those moments where we’re being asked to do things or asked to take over or asked to take care of something, we have to have the courage to choose discomfort over resentment. And to me, a huge part of my authenticity practice has been choosing discomfort and saying no. “Brené Brown
Admit Mistakes
“Mistakes are always forgivable if one has the courage to admit them.” ― Bruce Lee
Co-Exist with Nature and All Living Beings
“Friends are the most important commodity in the world. Even a tree needs a friend.”
― Bob Ross, Happy Little Accidents: The Wit and Wisdom of Bob Ross
Welcome “Failure”
“If we will be quiet and ready enough, we shall find compensation in every disappointment.”
― Henry David Thoreau, I to Myself: An Annotated Selection from the Journal of Henry D. Thoreau
Create Connections
“Let go of who you think you should be in order to be who you are. Be imperfect and have compassion for yourself. Connection is the result of authenticity.” Brené Brown
Be Curious
“Remember to look up at the stars and not down at your feet. Try to make sense of what you see and wonder about what makes the universe exist. Be curious. And however difficult life may seem, there is always something you can do and succeed at. It matters that you don’t just give up.” ― Stephen Hawking
Live Consciously
“Above all we must realize that each of us makes a difference with our life. Each of us impacts the world around us every single day. We have a choice to use the gift of our life to make the world a better place – or not to bother. “Jane Goodall
Love Always
“With life as short as a half taken breath, don’t plant anything but love.” Rumi
Authenticity
“Authenticity is a collection of choices that we have to make every day. It’s about the choice to show up and be real. The choice to be honest. The choice to let our true selves be seen.” Brené Brown
Recognize and Empower Others
“So great leaders don’t try to please everyone. Great leaders do not water down their message in order to make the tribe a bit bigger. Instead, they realize that a motivated, connected tribe in the midst of a movement is far more powerful than a larger group could ever be.” ― Seth Godin, Tribes: We Need You to Lead Us
