Leaders Don’t Just Lead
If you’re considered a leader, what type of leader are you?
Do you lead from the front and refuse to ask those under your guidance to do anything you wouldn’t yourself? Do you hang back in the shadows and delegate from afar? Do you have lieutenants under you that carry out your work for you, and you just sign off the paperwork?
Whatever different form of leadership you take, one thing is common across all leaders – the knowledge that they need to be led as well.
Your troops are your front line of defense. This could be a sales team; a customer service team; a tech support team; or commenters on your blog. They can tell you what’s happening every day. They can see changes you miss in the ivory towers of leadership. They can be the eyes that see new opportunities and best practices.
Leaders – true leaders – don’t just lead; they’re led as well.
If you’re considered a leader, what type of leader are you?
I absolutely agree Danny... But I also feel that the paradigm of "Leadership" is a dying one. Leadership was a great tool during the industrial ages, however; that has shifted, and so should the means by which we get things done. Here are some compelling arguments to consider ... http://tr.im/buildersmanifesto <-->Great post Danny!!
"Realizing people respond better to... types".Perfect and so true, Adam. Cheers for sharing your example and thoughts.
This takes me right back to my military days when I taught leadership courses. I taught that there are 3 main levels of leadership. Authoritative, Participative and Legislative. Those align almost exactly with what your article talks about.The trick to leadership is not only realizing that there are those three different styles, but realizing that individual people respond better to one of those three types, based on their own personalities. A good leader not only knows about the three hats, but he knows how to where each one, when to wear it and who to wear it around.Thanks for the great article.Adam Shake
those who lead best, serve first
Sad but so very true, Don... Hey there Vince, agree completely fella. Yet if you look at leadership from the view of inspiring faith and confidence, aren't we all leaders that should be leading by example? Mike, Kevin Eikenberry is awesome, fantastic recommendation. And yes, a leader needs to have conviction in his or her beliefs - hopefully not at expense of other thoughts, though. :)Rich, thank you so much fella - your friendship and support this year has been inspiring on its won.
You are a good example of this Danny. By engaging those around you, you lead by example and are led by the ideas and energy invested by those same people.
hi, i think youare right about any leader taking in information from various sources however I do feel that a leader needs to look, sound etc as if they have conviction and that whilst they want input they will take their strategy and drive it.This was my experience of individuals such as steve squeri, head of IT and ken chenault, CEO at American Express. He sought opinion, thoughts etc from everyone, we came away happy that he had listened however also realising that he had the courage of his convictions and that sometimes actions may be required for the greater good.often the followers of the leaders need to understnad more about what leadership is as well i think.you may follow this chap already however i've a lot of love for the work of kevin eikenberry on leadershiphttp://kevineikenberry.com/
I absolutely agree Danny... But I also feel that the paradigm of "Leadership" is a dying one. Leadership was a great tool during the industrial ages, however; that has shifted, and so should the means by which we get things done. Here are some compelling arguments to consider ... http://tr.im/buildersmanifesto <-->Great post Danny!!
Absolutely true regarding leaders. too bad not all leaders know this though.
