4 Leadership Truths You Must Embrace
Have you ever felt that being an exceptional leader is something that remains out of reach?
It reminds me of driving. Think for a moment of a time where you were driving down a long, straight stretch of road – preferably covered on either side by trees. For me, growing up in Western Washington that was not an uncommon phenomenon – especially out toward Mt. Rainier. After driving for a while, your mind adjusts to what your eyes are seeing – a vast array of trees coming toward you at the speed of driving. However, when you stop have you ever noticed what happens? Because of the visual process adapted when driving, you have the illusion that the trees before you are actively moving away.
Sometimes this is how I feel with my desire to become that level 5 leader… no matter how much I move forward on the road to growth, when I pause for a moment what I am seeking to attain appears to be moving further and further away.
What about you?
Do you chase after leadership as though it were something to be captured or an endpoint to be reached? Often, when we think we have our team fully developed and ‘under control’, adversity demands something very different from us. Suddenly, we have to pause before we pivot and it appears our goals are moving further from us – just like the illusion above. In that pause, we may be unsure how to respond – or feel the weight of the decision at hand. It is often in these extraordinary moments of reality, our over-confidence once again is balanced by humility. We are simply reminded that leadership is a practice, a daily practice, and that mastery of it cannot be fully achieved.
I have had the privilege to work with leaders from many countries around the world. While each have a unique story to tell and perhaps differing paths to their success, their leadership challenges have many similarities. Struggles in leadership do not have inherent geographic boundaries. They are not constrained by political, cultural, or societal limitations or norms. And with the increasing prevalence of 24/7 technological information dissemination, these challenges may have only increased. Regardless, it has become increasingly clear that leadership challenges share a common DNA – born from the leaders that have forged the path before us.
What I have learned from those that mentored me, through my own work as a leader and from those with whom I have worked or mentored are some simple truths about leadership. They are not profound, but impacting. They provide guardrails for guidance and perspective when needing encouragement. When applied, they will help you be a better leader tomorrow than you are today.
Four Truths of Leadership:
Truth #1: Embrace leadership as a journey
We are not talking about positional leadership or the transactional leader that perceives growth by simple task completion or title. Rather, it is acknowledging that we are in an infinite game requiring perseverance wrapped in a personal belief in our ability to lead.
It is a mindset enclosed in daily action and balanced by awareness
It is the byproduct of a practice that is strengthened and refined over a lifetime of committed learning. It is the power of passion and perseverance - GRIT. Are you willing to embrace the journey? If so, what are you doing daily to grow?
Truth #2: Your leadership stands for something
It has been more than a decade since I first heard leadership expert Simon Sinek present his Golden Circle and describe the inherent value of starting with ‘why’. Sinek suggests that your ‘why’ is how you explain your purpose and the reason you exist and behave as you do. Passionately articulating your ‘why’ is a very impactful way to communicate with others, define your value proposition and inspire them to act.
Stand for something… or fall for anything
What is it that you stand for? Would your team agree?
Truth #3: Leadership is not easy
As a kid, I recall one of my running coaches yelling, “everything worthwhile is uphill” as we ran hill intervals. And while I despised it at the time, I have come to appreciate the strategic advantage of running hills. Many years later, my mentor, John Maxwell, is known for saying that all leadership is uphill. He also affirms that many have “uphill hopes but downhill habits”. And the only successful way to do that is to get intentional (see Truth #1).
As I mentioned above, I grew up a stone’s throw from Mt. Rainier. Located in the Cascade Range and the highest peak in the state, it has a dominating presence visually and geographically. It was not uncommon for my mother to drive to Paradise, an amazing alpine meadow with breathtaking views of the glacier held peaks and the end of the road for wheel-based adventure seekers and start the climb. Unaware of the common dangers known by more seasoned mountaineers, we would hike through the first snowfields and follow the steps forged by those seeking the summit. Sometimes we would reach Camp Muir – other times we would stop short and marvel at the visual masterpiece. It wasn’t easy. It was all uphill. But it was always more incredible than we expected.
Are you ready for the climb?
Truth #4: Leadership believes in and brings value to others
If leadership was about making people happy, praising them, and maintaining the status quo, it would be simple. However, we are called to find the balance between articulating a vision around a just culture and encouraging your team to not only embrace this but accept inevitable change. And it is through believing in and empowering your team that this process gains momentum. If as a leader you believe in those you have placed on your team and provide the necessary resources and support, they will recognize the effort.
There is an African proverb that says, “If you want to run fast, run alone, if you want to run far, run together.” The together part is what makes transformational leadership difficult. It isn’t just about proximity, it is about value.
Together = believes in and brings value to others
Awareness without application won’t get you there. Only leaders that accept the call and are willing to sacrifice through personal growth and intentional change will get tangible results. Creating a lasting impact for those you lead and a legacy for those you serve will be the harvest. Yes, leadership is hard – but don’t be your biggest critic, be your greatest cheerleader.
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Application Matters: Take a few minutes to invest in yourself - you are worth it!
Action Item #1: Write down what you are doing intentionally to grow everyday
Action Item #2: Identify 2 uphill challenges that you need to address – set aside time to complete the task. (If you don’t schedule time, it won’t happen)
Action Item #3: Write down 3 ways you bring value to members of your team