In my work with executives and senior leaders, I am consistently fascinated by their stories of how they found themselves in leadership roles. Was it a choice, a volunteered opportunity, or an assumed path for advancement? What or who inspired them? Regardless of the reason, they all acknowledge that leadership is a significant responsibility and commitment, not suited for everyone.
A common theme emerges from these stories: a distinction between those who seek leadership for power and control and those who lead to serve and inspire others. I refer to the latter as ‘Exceptional Leaders’ because they can emerge from any part of an organization and often are the hidden gems within it. These individuals are inherently perceptive, possess excellent judgment, and have an intuitive understanding of group dynamics.
When coaching or collaborating with these ‘Exceptional Leaders,’ I am struck by their remarkable emotional self-control, their capacity to handle tough situations with poise and assurance, and their profound awareness that the ‘power of words’ can shape pivotal moments. They naturally excel at adapting their leadership and communication approaches to forge meaningful connections with others.
“Self-control is strength. Calmness is mastery. You have to get to a point where your mood doesn’t shift based on the insignificant actions of someone else. Don’t allow others to control the direction of your life. Don’t allow your emotions to overpower your intelligence.” — Morgan Freeman
Another key strength of these leaders is their ability to eliminate distractions. While many of us struggle with productivity killers like phones, gossip, social media, and email, these leaders practice discipline and self-control. They use 21st-century tools to simplify their lives rather than complicate them. They show respect by giving their full attention during conversations, turning away from screens, and making direct eye contact to connect, listen, and understand. This discipline and focus are just a part of what makes these ‘Exceptional Leaders’ stand out.
Most importantly, these ‘Exceptional Leaders’ seamlessly blend financial and operational expertise with a people-focused approach, demonstrating their authenticity, adaptability, and commitment to continuous learning.
Here are a few powerful and straightforward leadership tips that these exceptional leaders have shared and I have found valuable:
Vision vs. Process: Focus on creating a forward-thinking vision that drives meaningful change, while aligning leaders and teams to optimize core processes and resources to achieve organizational goals.
Inspiring vs. Instructing: Motivate and guide teams towards a shared vision, mission, and purpose.
Prioritize Communication: Engage regularly with your team. Active listening, timely feedback, and addressing concerns promptly foster trust and collaboration.
Set Clear Expectations: Clearly define roles, responsibilities, and performance standards to manage tasks effectively and ensure team members feel supported.
Delegate Wisely: Assign tasks based on team members’ strengths and areas for growth. Empower others to take ownership, enhancing both task completion and relationship-building.
Recognize Achievements: Celebrate individual and team successes. Acknowledge efforts and show appreciation to boost morale and reinforce positive behavior.
Adapt Your Leadership Style: Be flexible. Use a directive approach when necessary for urgent tasks, and a coaching or supportive style in other situations.
People vs. Systems: Emphasize the importance of people, relationships, and empowerment to make decisions. Encourage challenging the status quo as a culturally accepted norm.
Self-Reflection: In your experience, what defines an exceptional leader, and how do they build trust and inspire growth? How do you strike the right balance between task management and people-centric leadership?
Your voice matters! Share your insights and best practices in the comments below. Let’s ignite a conversation about what it truly means to be a #PurposeDrivenLeader. If this resonates with you, spread the word and inspire others to lead with intention. #LeadershipByDegrees
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