Leaders are found everywhere; in business, military, politics, in families or with friends.
Somewhere, at some time, every one of us is looked to … ‘to take the lead’. Some people position themselves as leaders because of title, but leadership goes way beyond title. I witnessed this while I was growing up. My mother modeled leadership better than most… she would have been considered a ‘stay at home mom’ by today’s standards. I can only remember her having one job and that lasted for a few months, as it just seemed better for everyone if Mom were at home with us. She did not go to college as that opportunity was not available for her. However, if she were a woman of today I know she would have made a great engineer. She was a problem solver, and a creative person in so many ways. Although her world was in her home on a little street in a small town people from everywhere sought her out. They wanted her help, valued her advice and cherished her care….what was her key to influencing others?
She was truly a leader…… when she passed away her funeral procession was endless…. Her family her friends, her community and friends of her family were there. Some knew her directly — some only the stories of those who knew her personally. What made so many seek out this humble woman?
They trusted her.
Trusted that she would be there for them …..
Trusted that she would not gossip about things that were shard in confidence..and she was not jealous of others in any way.
I, for one, always felt safe with her….. encouraged by her. I remember the time I was to go for my driver’s test and we all know that was a Loooong time ago! I had taken Student Driving Education and the night before my appointment for my State Driver’s test my instructor told me he did not think I was ready….He actually told me that I probably would fail the test so it would be better to rebook the appointment. When my mother heard his opinion she immediately said to me …. “You have the appointment ….. go and take the test….. and get your license.”
Her belief in me shouted out loudly…. Her guidance took all the doubt away so I could confidently focus on the outcome of getting my License. I took the test and I did get my license! I had been ready to follow the opinion of the driving instructor but instead chose to follow my mothers advice because I trusted her ……When we lead people they want to feel safe in our space. Feel confident in our guidance and be filled with hope.
Often times a leader has to ‘Believe’ in their people before the person has the confidence to believe in themselves. That is trust!!!
People want 3 major things from their leaders:
- Trust – to have confidence, faith or hope in someone or something.
- Guidance – advice or information aimed at resolving a problem or difficulty, especially given by one in authority.
- Hope -is an optimistic attitude of mind based on an expectation of positive outcomes.
Leaders can accomplish this by being;
1. Credible – Worthy of belief or confidence; trustworthy.
2. Duplicate(able) – To do or perform again; repeat.
3. Authentic – Genuine, real.
I have been blessed to have had a life that has afforded me opportunities for greater experiences than my mom…. To have had a chance to have a family and also a successful career but the most important part of it all is that I was able to duplicate my mothers credibility as a person…. in living an authentic life.
I guess we could say I am her Legacy.
In what ways does your Leadership style allow you to go beyond being an Influence to making an Impact?
Leaders that Take the Lead change lives….
