We often conflate leadership with being in charge, but they are not the same thing. One is a noun, and one is a verb.
Leadership is a behaviour, not a position. And we don’t get to self-designate – other people decide whether they want to follow. And they do that because of the way you behave.
Think of a leader you admire – what do they do that you admire? Take risks, walk the talk, admit what they don’t know, push you to be at your best, have your back? Probably not “they tell me what to do”.
It may not even be who is charge at your organisation, but your go-to person when you need help and support.
Some of the best leaders are in the back, empowering people to move forward. You may not even know they’re there, just feel their presence.
The irony of leadership – is if you do your job correctly – you do yourself out of a job eventually. That was certainly my intention in my last role – stated in my first management team meeting – that I wanted to stay two to three years and hand over the reigns – and true to my word – that’s what I did.
The goal of every leader should be to create an environment where you’re not needed anymore – which of your behaviours are congruent with creating this – and which need some work?
If you want to invest in your leadership, we should talk.
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Mehalah Beckett is a consultant, coach and trusted advisor passionate about people, the planet and empowering others to inspire positive change. She coaches purpose-driven leaders to impossible goals, hosts Masterminds for hungry entrepreneurs and guides businesses through B-Corp. What can I help you achieve this year?