For most of my adult life I have not only studied leadership but I’ve had a wonderful career in a leadership position; blessed to have had an opportunity to learn from some of the best leaders. People who defined leadership ‘simply‘, but ‘spot on’.
The iconic founder of Mary Kay Cosmetics, Mary Kay Ash, said. “There are 3 ways to lead:
- By EXAMPLE
- By EXAMPLE
- By EXAMPLE
John C. Maxwell, author and expert on Leadership Development defines leadership this way, “LEADERSHIP IS INFLUENCE”.
These two statements are among the very best in defining successful and impactful leadership.
- Being the Example – It has been my experience that modeling the way something should be done is an excellent way to train and prepare others to take the lead. Learning from someone who is going beyond just “talking the talk’ to actually ‘walking their talk’ is the person I want to follow and have as a mentor.
- Influence – Defined as the capacity to have an effect on the character or behavior of someone or something.
Strong Leaders BECOME PERSONS OF INFLUENCE and this shows up not only in business, but in social circles and families, even in circles of friends. It seems most often that one or a few people will set the pace for the group.
It also needs to be stated that not everyone who is in charge, leads. Being the person in charge of the team, project, organization or even a family does not mean that person is leading…. They are often managing and there is a huge difference between managers and leaders.
- Manager – Managers have subordinates. Managers come from a position of authority given to them by a company or title and the people on the team or in the group work for them and largely do as they are told. Managers are TASK FOCUSED.
- Leaders – Leaders have followers. To lead is to have followers and following is always a voluntary activity. Leaders are PEOPLE FOCUSED.
Managers can and usually do get great results. For instance, sales teams can reach record breaking results in relatively short time with an effective manager but that does not make that person a leader. It often happens that if that manager steps out of the picture, the momentum of the group slows down (possibly even comes to a halt) and once that project is completed everyone is back to square one again.
An effective leader has a vision and can articulate their message. The effective leader also finds common ground with people, building a relationship of trust. Yes, they get results but they do it through the development of people empowering them to not only do more but become more and thus the momentum and productivity is sustainable an expansive.
- “There is no success without a successor”, John C. Maxwell.
- Mary Kay Ash talked about and developed ‘Legacy Leaders. Again this is testimony that WE LEAD BY EXAMPLE!
I am sure by now you are thinking …OK. I get it so why are you going on and on about the importance of Leading by Example? My answer is a simple one but one of conviction. I have walked the walk as a successful leader and continue to encourage others to Lead but, too, often I come across advice or opinions about Leadership that would be better served for those in a Management role. I have been so empowered by observing great leaders. Their example is authentic proof that what they were saying was worth doing and what they did was sustainable.
So what is important to know as a Leader;
- They are Vision Driven not Condition Based.
- They look to the horizon for long term affect not short term results.
- Leaders set the direction for new roads while the Manager focuses on existing roads.
- The Leader has an energy of passion; the Manger has one of control.
- Leaders are dynamic and are Proactive while Managers tend to be Reactive.
- Leaders take Risks while Managers minimize risks.
- Leaders shape the culture while Managers enact on it.
- Leaders want to find more innovative ways while Managers like to stay with the status quo.
Leaders are Visionaries and the first person leaders inspire and influence is themselves through a clearly defined vision of the life they would love living. They are positive thinkers believing that what you focus on expands… they are abundant thinkers.
Yes, they do set the pace and they do it with their message and their actions but foremost they realize the great importance of enthusing others to work toward their own vision. This is how Leaders Take the Lead….they Empower!
