How to Lead

I am asked by others, how to be a leader. I am hired to create leaders in organizations. But, I really cannot teach anyone to be a leader. So, how am I so successful in helping people to be better leaders?

People who want to be better and more effective leaders can read books and articles, hire a coach, attend training / a conference / a seminar, listen to podcasts or books on tape, etc. I am a supporter and I endorse these sources of content. Leaders simply need to gather as much information, as many tools, and ideas that they can to help them become a better leader. It is a lifelong journey for every leader.

“But no amount of information, tools, or ideas can help you lead until you demonstrate leadership.”

Just Lead

Leaders need to apply and demonstrate their leadership to lead.

Results from Learning about Leadership

I’ve worked with well-educated people in top leadership positions. They can recite and quote some of the most prolific leadership concepts. But until they begin leading, no one follows them.

Yes, I Teach Leadership

I have been “brought in” to teach leadership. But I don’t teach people to be leaders, I help them define leadership that fits them . . . authentically. I work with people to define what leadership means to them. We work together to create an “Authentic Leader” plan.

I Challenge Leaders

But once that plan is created, I challenge them to apply that plan to action. I ask them for examples of how they have demonstrated the unique leadership values and strategies they defined. I ask them for examples of how they are living their definition of leadership and how they are following through on actions they committed to do. (BTW – A major key to demonstrating leadership is for people to see the leader consistently follow through on commitments they make to themselves.)

Who Has Time?

I find that most people in leadership don’t make time think about their leadership. What is your definition of leadership? What leadership values and strategies are unique to you or you need to aspire to? What leadership actions can you commit to do today, this week, this month, this year? How will you hold yourself accountable and be disciplined not to fall off from this new-found motivation?

Take Action Today

Of course, I have a business based on helping leadership teams demonstrate their version of Authentic Leadership. My business consultant would recommend me to have you to call me to help you. But, maybe you don’t need my help. I simply want you to lead authentically by demonstrating your leadership through your actions.

Make time today (or this week), to write down what you want your leadership to be. Decide the values and strategies you need to be authentic in your leadership. Find someone who you can share this plan with and who can hold you accountable for the discipline it will take to be consistent with your leadership and follow through on your commitments.

Let us know in the comments below

• What kind of leader do you need to be?
• How will you demonstrate your leadership?
• How will you hold yourself accountable to follow through?

I look forward to reading your comments.