Leadership styles come in all shapes and sizes, and getting the job done, whatever the job may be, seems to be front and center of the focus of most of those in leadership positions. But what is a leader’s most important job? What should the real goal be? After more than two decades in leadership positions, I’ve narrowed it down to the following:
1. Provide inspiration.
As John Quincy Adams said, “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.” I believe this to be as true today as it was then. Therefore, no matter the task at hand, I try to provide that inspiration — along with empowerment — to my workforce. By so doing, I can stimulate and excite my people with a vision, transition that vision to them and share it to inspire them. Interestingly, by letting others take hold of my vision, I could be perceived as letting go of power, but in so doing, I am actually empowering them. This, in turn, gives me the time and space to empower others. Besides, my vision is to empower others to empowers others, so I need help!
2. Lead by example.
I do my best to lead by example as a way to inspire. I don’t demand, which I define as telling…