You are whether you like it or not
You are a leader whether you like it or not.
We are all leaders. We may not be good at it or see ourselves that way but we are. Even if your title or roll professionally doesn’t include a leadership component you are still a leader. If you are a man, woman, friend, child, sister, brother, husband, wife, parent, employer or employee you are a leader. Basically if you are breathing you are a leader. It’s not whether or not you lead it’s whether or not anyone is following you which is the litmus test.
Ron Karr, author of the bestselling book ‘Lead, Sell, or Get Out of The Way” recently asked me, “What makes a leader?” My answer was, “They lead.” Flippant maybe but true. Ron responded, “What defines a leader to you?” My response was this, “Leading involves casting a compelling vision, setting a course to realize the vision, putting forth the level of effort and action needed to accomplish the vision while compelling those you lead to achieve the vision in kind and supporting, encouraging and affirming your followers constantly to the successful realization of the vision.” His response was, “That is a fantastic detailed explanation.” Only because it’s true.
We fear leading because it’s hard but so is everything else worth doing. Just because it’s hard doesn’t mean it shouldn’t come to pass. Ask any woman who has given birth. It’s hard but if women just gave up when it was hard none of us would be here. Leadership is hard – on a large scale or on a small scale. But you still have to do it. Everyone who is lead will test the mettle of the one leading. Children do it, employees do it, friends do it, volunteers do it – everybody. So if you’re wondering why people aren’t listening to you – look in the mirror. You are probably not leading them. Or worse you and your message are misaligned. Get your head right and be consistent. Stop making excuses and start leading.
Try this:
Cast the vision – share with those you influence where you see everyone going. This may be your family, friends, associates, employees or anyone you looks to you to set the pace. They look to you because there is something about you they trust. Casting the vision is what you all deserve. So write it down and share it.
Set the expectation through delivering excellence – no one should be working harder than you. None of the people you lead will look to you as a leader if they are pulling you along. Quit being a whinny baby about how much there is to do and how hard it is and deliver through massive effort. Everyone is waiting for you to set the pace and create the momentum. Once you have the ball rolling you can pass the touch to those following to continue replicating what you are doing.
Celebrate the victories – all victories should be celebrated and encouraged from you to your followers. Whether the followers are your children, spouse, volunteers, employees or those whose lives you influence you must find them doing what you expect and praise them for the correct behaviour. An authentic ‘Great job! Keep it up.’ will go light years towards achieving your big vision.
Look behind you. Is there anyone there? If the answer is no you do not have a follower problem. Look in the mirror. This is where the issue is found. The great news is employing the execution of excellence will create great leadership in your life.
Sean Moffett
World Class Speaker. Sales Expert. Head of The Moffett Company
www.twitter.com/@TheSeanMoffett – follow and connect
www.themoffettcompany.com – research and book
