Insights 1: Value based leadership

Many lessons of leadership are timeless. For this reason, we can use quotations that are centuries old which make good sense today. For me, it is about applying the key principles to our context. A context that clarifies the challenges. A context that brings into focus the new skills required to enable leaders to effectively guide others and create followers.

A truth of leadership is that in troubled times, where our worlds are massively impacted by quantum leap change, that the true essence of leadership is best understood. Today’s massive challenge brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, resultant economic destruction together with fast-tracking the 4th Industrial Revolution have drastically impacted our worlds. This challenge calls for clear, decisive, and bold leadership at all levels of our society. As Insights unfold so we will address some of these challenges.

Before furthering the Insights Series of 20 leadership thoughts, it is appropriate to set out the broad-based considerations of our Leadership Programme for those joining our regular Webinars. So here we go!

Leadership is observable and learnable.  It is not mystical, philosophical, or ethereal. Ordinary people often understand and practice empowering leadership. We often comment on public figures who show leadership, what they do, how they inspire, challenge, involve others, show model behaviour and acknowledge others ahead of themselves.  Most were not born into these roles, they were developed through a passion to lead.

Leadership is everyone’s business. Leadership is not born out of position, title, or status. It is about the growth mindset of a person. A growth mindset implies an awareness of self, first and foremost, a broad understanding of the environment (including understanding people around us) and more specific competence in the area within which one seeks to express leadership. This self-awareness enables the leader to connect with her / his identified purpose and belief. This purpose may be expressed as an exciting vision of the future that gives meaning to the journey of leadership and of life. Whilst one’s vision may change and develop over the years, there is a truth that children and adults who have a longer-term outlook, are far more successful than those with a short-term thinking. It is said that without vision, we may merely let time pass us by. This purpose and belief enables leaders to develop a way of encouraging others, to see a better future. It requires resilience, perseverance and positive energy often in the face of  difficult challenges.

Leadership is not about intelligence, charisma, a specific personality profile or loud voices. Leaders do not need to be in management positions, with subordinates, control or budgets. Success for the modern organisation requires much more than the technical expertise.

New age organisations thrive on the power of collaborative and innovative thinking. Increasingly, people work in the knowledge based / digital (4th Revolution) economy and organisations need people to use their brains. Those who fail to do so will be vulnerable and unlikely to survive in an environment that demands change, creativity, initiative and learning.

Strong leaders are keen to positively influence a direction and challenge others to achieve extraordinary things. They can only achieve this, if their message is clear, exciting and, above all, credible. Leaders do not only focus on their work lives. Their contribution is felt in the broader spheres of life: in their organisations, departments, work teams, homes, and communities. 

The Insights Series will integrate 5 leadership values as we navigate the themes below:

• Focus and awareness

• Leading by example

• Perseverance

• Serving and empowering others

• Creativity and innovation

A few themes will include:

• The power of choice

• Life is an adventure or nothing

• Which “wolf” dominates your life?

• Self-awareness and belief

• Face your fears and be empowered

• Intent and habit are key to success

• The power of fun and laughter

• Building resilience for tough times

• Being there for the team

Drafted in all humility as I continue my journey of discovery. It is indeed a challenge, with so much to remember and learn.

Andrew Pons

| Next