Some of us might be accidental leaders. We come to a place in our career where we are in a leadership position without planning or intention. Perhaps even without having the leadership skills, training, mentorship or support. We flounder a little, experiment, learn, adjust and grow. And if we have management responsibilities, with people counting on us, that “learning” might harm them, our organisation, or us.
There are thousands of books on leadership and a thousand more articles. Many define leadership, and many offer a roadmap of sorts so that the reader might become a “leader”.
I think books are great. I love them and read them like they are going out of style. But…I can tell you that the one thing books can’t answer for you is the kind of leader you need to be. They can help you navigate the process for sure, but the answer lies within you. You are the only person who can answer those burning questions you might be asking.
Questions like:
- What is leadership to me?
- How do I bring my best leadership qualities to my role?
- How do I be a role model for those I care about?
- What are my values?
- How do I stand out in a good way?
- How can I be an ethical leader?
- Am I even a leader?
- Or can I be a leader?
So where do you start? If you are a new leader, my hope is that the next series of posts over the coming weeks will help you through this journey. Once a week, I will post an exercise to do, and a set of questions for you to ponder that I hope will help you on your leadership journey.
And if you have been a leader for quite some time, this might be a good refresher for you. We all fall into habits, some good and some not-so-good so a refresher might be of value. Either way, if you invest in yourself, the rewards will be unfathomable.
Chapter One of Five
We all come into workplaces with assumptions, beliefs and biases about leadership. We might have experienced leadership at school, university, in other workplaces that have helped define what we think leadership is. You might have a view that you have learned. My question to you: When was the last time you challenged that view?
Exercise: Grab a blank paper sheet, journal, or other non-technology-based writing tools (here are some benefits you can read).
Think about the first time you came across “leadership”. This can be at school, university, your first job or from your family. Briefly describe the scenario, what happened, and what behaviours you saw. If others were present, how did people react and how did you feel? Free-form write until you feel satisfied with what you have written – there is no time limit.
Choose 3 words that defined what you believe leadership to be based on that experience.
Now answer the following questions:
What do these words tell me about my earliest encounter with leadership? Are they positive or negative? Do I still believe them to be true? Why?
What beliefs do I have about leadership that would be of value to me as a leader? For example, leadership is about enabling others. I can be of service, and I love being of service to others.
What beliefs do I have about leadership that might be holding me back? For example, leadership is corrupt and can be used for evil. Leaders are not good people who exploit others for their own benefit.
Write down your answers and go back to your day.
Until next time.
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