The Leadership Challenge
A retrospect of my leadership experience. Sit tight!
Leadership is not innate but rather a set of habits, values, and skills developed with time, patience, and practice.
I am happy to have practised leadership from an early age. However, if asked ten years ago, I wouldn't have envisioned myself being where I am today.
Choice
Leadership is highly valued in all civilisations and by all age groups. It is critical in society, education and personal life. The aristocracy associated with it would make anyone choose to be a leader - at least if given a chance.
Ironically, leadership chose me.
My leadership experience started a few months after I joined the JKUAT Toastmasters Club. An opportunity to volunteer as a club officer presented itself.
I chose to serve.
"The first and most important choice a leader makes is the choice to serve, without which one's capacity to lead is severely limited." - Robert K. Greenleaf.
Five years down, I have stood up for every opportunity of leading that comes my way. Leadership, to me, is a Role-Playing Game, and I strived to become a master player.
I wouldn't want to bore you with a list of the numerous roles that I have served. Neither do I want to brag about it. What matters is the take-home after the service.
Succeeding as a first-time leader is rare but achievable. I also believe that if you fail on your first try, you will do better on the next. It calls for consistency and constant improvement.
After the reiteration, I learned the fundamentals of winning as a leader. In the section ensuing, I highlight a few tips to help you excel in leadership.
Effective Leadership?
Jim Collins, author and leadership expert, explains effective leadership with the concept of "Level 5" leaders. The theory paints a compelling and counterintuitive portrait of the skills and personality traits that make great leaders.
“Leadership is hard to define, and good leadership even harder. But if you can get people to follow you to the ends of the earth, you are a great leader.” —Indra Nooyi.
As much as such (and many more) concepts adroitly define what effective leadership is, I present to you a less-convoluted rule-set.
Build relationships.
This is the first thing I do before leading any course.
Fostering a good relationship within the team will not only build trust but also encourage communication. It is critical that the team players feel they can count on their leader. On the other hand, the leader should feel safe entrusting the team in whatever venture.
“To handle yourself, use your head; to handle others, use your heart.” —Eleanor Roosevelt
It is easier to thrive in leadership if you exemplify trust by building relationships.
Listen: be interested.
Do you listen more than you talk?
Showing interest by allowing people to talk about themselves make them like you. A great leader will ask questions that people enjoy answering and pay attention while listening.
" Leaders who don't listen will eventually be surrounded by people who have nothing to say." –Andy Stanley.
Listening will encourage people you lead to be open and honest without fearing negative consequences.
Ask questions instead of giving orders.
No one wants to feel bossed around.
I learned to ask questions or make suggestions if I wanted things done. The best part is that you also hear the other person's perspective which
“I want every little girl who someone says ‘they’re bossy’ to be told instead, ‘you have leadership skills.’” - Sheryl Sandberg.
Bossiness is not a leadership trait.
Praise: recognize effort.
Appreciation goes a long way.
“If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.” — John Quincy Adams
Recognizing people's efforts will motivate them to do even better, help them see their progress and give them a sense of direction. Be that leader who is always on the watch - not only to criticize but to commend too. Praise requires a tricky balance.
Feedback.
Learn to give and receive feedback effectively.
"Feedback is the breakfast of champions." - Ken Blanchard.
Winning leaders will give effective feedback when they see fit and acknowledge whatever feedback they receive in the hope of improving.
If you created a good rapport in the first place and you are always keen to listen when people speak, team members will open up and voice their opinion about your leadership.
The challenge
It is never too early (or late) to take leadership seriously.
Personal power is the ability to take action.” — Tony Robbins
Writing this issue, I take the step to provoke you to grow your leadership skills and embrace effective leadership.
I believe that leadership is for everyone. Despite this, effective leadership is what makes the difference.
P.S. Post-Mortem
Reminiscing on the journey so far, I am joyful to have pursued leadership. It is from it that I have learned to be selfless, kind and empathetic.
Hopefully, my past leadership experience has been impactful. I will endeavour to lead effectively in future undertakings.
"Leadership is about making others better as a result of your presence and making sure that impact lasts in your absence." - Sheryl Sandberg