I often start off my keynote addresses and workshops asking participants if they consider themselves to be leaders, and, for the most part, most attendees do express that they are, and thus pass my test. I ask this question as for many people leadership is equated with a position of authority, and this couldn’t be farther from the truth. Yes, we all hope that those in authority portray leadership qualities and act as leaders, but the two, supervision and leadership, are not one in the same.
We need to know and understand that leadership is in us all. In one way or another, at one time or another, we all can and should demonstrate leadership. Today, in this unprecedented time, we all need to be leaders; for ourselves, for our colleagues, for our families, and for all those we encounter.
It’s easy for us to see that those on the front lines of our current battle are showing leadership. They are helping those in need, putting themselves at risk for others, and working to tireless hours. I thank you all, the doctors, the nurses, the volunteers, and all those who are now deemed ‘essential’. These people are leaders, no matter what position they hold, and they and we need to recognize that.
Now, for those of us who are homeschooling our kids, taking care of ourselves and our families, working from home, cleaning the house, working on projects, whatever…we are leaders as well, and that too is important to realize.
In my weekly video series, The Leadership Doc’s Dose of Leadership, I’ve already shared many brief clips of leadership behaviors that we can (and should) be exercising, and I invite you to view theses and get a dose of whatever topic you feel you currently need.
No matter how many people we encounter, which for many of us should be quite limited, it’s important to behave as leaders. It’s important to lead by example; to wash our hands, to remain positive, to focus on our daily goals (which are allowed to change!), to be resilient when the goals change, and to deal with whatever comes our way. It’s important that we celebrate our wins when we complete a task, and that we celebrate the wins when those around us complete theirs.
One of the bases of Major League Leadership (as well as one of the key leadership strategies discussed by most experts) is to lead by example or model the way. This is vital for so many reasons, and to keep it as simple as possible, it just makes sense! If someone sees you doing the right thing and it resonates with them and appears to bring about something positive, they are apt to mimic the behavior. Alternatively, if they see you doing the wrong thing, they may feel that is the way to behave or feel.
Remember the old adage, a bad apple spoils the bunch…well, it’s true for people and actions as well. What’s important to note, however, is that with people, the opposite is also true. A good act can inspire other good acts…let’s be the good apple and encourage those around us to be those as well.
Keep Leading and Stay Safe!
HF