22 Mar Cultivating the true leader in all of us

The concept of leadership has evolved over the decades – here’s what we think it is about today – and what it definitely is no longer.

We live in a volatile, uncertain and unpredictable world. There is so much we do not know.  This is what we do know, indisputably:

• Life is complex. If you proclaim to know the answers, you are probably out of touch with reality. The first step towards great leadership is accepting that you do not have the answers and leading bravely from this point of not knowing. Far more important than knowledge, are mastering traits like humility, vulnerability and curiosity.
• Employee engagement is at an all-time low. Couple this with a workforce that is more empowered and educated than ever before – and we are faced with a contradiction that holds immense potential – for disaster or greatness.  Accessing and leveraging this potential for good, is ultimately in the hands of great leaders.
• Significant resources are invested into corporate leadership development every year – with a very poor return. While this is a fact, the reasons behind it are varied and nuanced. One of them, we believe, is that many organisations still largely operate in an industrial age framework – which predicates a management philosophy to sustain it. This environment will never foster leadership – no matter how much you invest in it.
• There isn’t a sector of life – from political to business, social to sport – that doesn’t desperately need good leadership. From where we stand, it’s fundamental to saving humanity.

Leadership is not only for those with position or authority.  Anybody is a leader if they have the desire to influence positive change. Here are two concepts that all leaders should think about more deeply:

1. Leadership development is not about adopting a set of predefined competencies. If you want to become a better leader – you must look inwards. You must get to know who you are as a human being. Leadership is deeply personal and therefore leadership development needs to start from this premise too – a journey of personal transformation. Leadership development should enhance our ability to be our authentic selves, every minute of the day. When we know what drives and motivates us – and we can commit to living in tune with our authentic selves – we ultimately become better leaders.
2. The people you lead are who create real change. As a leader you can only influence and enable change.  Therefore, the best leadership growth will come from connecting to the people in your trust – immerse yourself in different environments and build personal connections. Take the time to engage with openness and vulnerability. From time to time, intentionally work on the level of humanity in your business, above its efficiency. Relationships breed trust.  Trust breeds collaboration. Cue innovation and productivity.

Leading from such a personal and vulnerable space can be uncomfortable, in a business world that is still driven by traditional hierarchy, competency tick boxes and questionable incentives. It can be challenging to break through the comfortable walls that technology has built around us.  But that’s what great leadership takes in today’s world – brave willingness to go against the grain and be more human.

Take the first step on the inside-out journey of leadership development.  Visit www.leadwithhumanity.co.za for more details on our offerings.