Leadership is a calling, yet how we show up is a choice. With leadership comes great responsibility because people are watching us, influenced by us, and yes, they are following us. The days of our decisions only impacting us are long gone and we live in the spotlight. Understanding this responsibility is only half the battle. Deciding how we proceed is the real challenge. Do I want to be the type of leader that no one trusts because of inconsistency? The type that makes people feel small and insecure? The type that is so self-centered that they are never aware of how their choices impact others? I have worked for all of these types of leaders and I determined long ago that this was not the type of leader that I wanted to be.
I am naturally an introvert. Those who knew me, before, remember that girl. I was quiet, shy, and loved being in the background. At times, that natural tendency to avoid the spotlight made me an easy target. By target, I mean easily used and taken advantage of by people who claimed to be leaders. I had “leaders” that made me cry, made me insecure, constantly questioning myself. In those spaces, I wasn’t thriving, I was surviving, and it was painful. Deep down, I knew what I was capable of but I didn't feel like I could spread my wings. I watched and I began to take note of what a “bad” leader looked and felt like. I knew that I hated the way certain leaders made me feel.
In those years, I also learned what a good leader looked and felt like. I was aware of spaces where people pulled out the best in me. Spaces where they noticed my genius in the midst of my timidity and encouraged me to use my voice. They took out the time to understand me, nurture my gifts, and create spaces of safety where I felt comfortable sharing. I loved those places and it was in those moments that I found my inner leader. Those spaces showed me what true leadership should be.
Although many of us have been called to leadership, we have to be intentional about how we answer that charge. We acknowledge that there is something that calls out to us to go against the grain, to generate change, to create something better for others. How we go about that, depends on us. Years ago, I decided that I wanted to be a people-centered leader that led with compassion and worked alongside my team. I wanted to create transformative spaces where every member of my team could thrive, never in competition but always innovative and nurturing. This type of leadership requires constant reflection because it can be so easy to get caught up in the weight of leadership that you miss how you and your choices impact others.
There have been times when I have missed the mark. Times when what I was dealing with, deeply impacted how I led. However, those times have always been opportunities for growth. Daily we decide what type of leader we want to be. We make decisions about how we will respond to the realities of others and when crucial conversations are needed. Yet, even in correction, there is always room for love. Even when you have to part ways with people, you can still choose to handle them with love and respect. When love is at the root of everything that you do, you can show up as the type of leader that inspires and guides people in the right direction.
I charge you to be the type of leader that listens, the type of leader that gets to know your team and values all they bring to the table. Be the type of leader that shows your appreciation and not just your lip-service. Be the type of leader that treats people as you want to be treated and leads with love. Be the type of leader that works alongside your team and helps build their capacity. Be the type of leader that leaves everyone better than they were when they first joined your team. Be the type of leader that considers the needs of the team when making decisions and encourages innovation from each member. Be the type of leader that acknowledges that everyone’s gifts in action are what will make all of you shine. Be the type of leader that cultivates and ignites, rather than suppresses. That is the type of leader that truly transforms workspaces into funnels of joy and innovation. What type of leader do you choose to be?
Diverse Perspectives
I choose to be a leader who inspires and challenges others to operate in the best version of themselves as they bring their unique gifts to the table! Great article!