I have often posted about leaders traits. The focus have been on skills that define effective and powerful leaders. The other day in a conversation with some friends I came to the realization knowing things not to do is as important as knowing what to do.
That is even if you are aware of and consciously work on being an exceptional leader practising behaviours that are known to work, what if unconsciously your core philosophy on how to interact with others is flawed.
What matters most
The underlying tenant of leadership is ability to enable greatness across all stakeholders be it followers ,peers, subordinates or whatever defined relationship you have with everyone you interact with.
A leaders power is derived from others and to be effective leaders need to focus those stakeholders needs. Leaders who believe at their core “it’s all about me” will definitely fail over time.
Others recognize the inward focus and ultimately even if they continue to “follow” the leader it is not because they want to but rather some less powerful motivation which may continue for sometime but will likely be unsustainable over the long term.
It’s about others first
Both consciously and unconsciously leaders must not focus on their needs first. Outstanding leaders value everyone and focus on t(e greater good rather than personal avarice.
Exaggerated examples of this concept are evident throughout history when considering dictators like the infamous Adolph Hitler who clearly focused on his own needs. He demonstrated time and again, to his detriment the world revolved around him.
There are many skills to help us be great leaders there are many skills we can leverage but if at the core are focus is inward facing we will fail.
WOW well said Steve. I have always struggled with trying to explain this to people, as close as my son, and as simple as buying gifts for people. When you believe that something you like and treasure is exactly what that other person needs and are insulted when they don’t appreciate it as much as you expected in giving it then this is a sign that you are not thinking of what exactly the other person needs/wants instead of your needs/wants.
Not sure if this is very clear but hopefully you can relate it to a leader who does everything he/she thinks people want/need versus finding out exactly what each person needs/wants.
Just my 2 cents.