I think we can all agree that leadership in the last few years has been redefined by leaders and their followers as a result of a host of unprecedented events. Between the current global economic recession and the election of the US's first African-American president, I have seen and heard comments about leadership go from dismal cynicism to joyful hope. In my many conversations with executives from a whole range of industries, at least I have found agreement among all of them on how leadership should be approached. They all tell me it is about relationships. Initiating, growing, and sustaining those relationships. And the most important relationship they all agree on is the relationship that the leader has first and foremeost with him/herself. Leadership begins with self-awareness...emotional intelligence, a clear understanding and commitment to one's values, beliefs,and morals. It is about being willing and able to follow, first, what you know to be ethically and morally right!
Once a man or woman knows for certain what he or she stands for and will not compromise no matter what the short or long term consequences, then he or she is ready to lead.
What I focus on in my seminars is application of real life scenarios to determine some re-acquaintance with one's values and leadership style. I introduce a variety of points-of-view to challenge participants to adopt a more open and tolerant perspective on themselves and those that follow them. We actively role play those scenarios, discuss their results, and share new ideas and creative alternatives.
In the end, "leader" is just another title, another role one plays. Behind that title, that role, there should be an emotionally and intellectually mature human being. That's where we start...assessing our strengths and challenges and defining a more responsible and integral relationship with ourselves. We will learn from those who have failed and from those who have succeeded as leaders. In the end, I hope that my participants can see themselves and those around them through a much bigger and clearer lens...It all goes back to perspective.
To learn more about my 4-day intensive leadership course, head towards the Peak Performance Leadership website or E-mail CU's Exec Ed staff. I also invite you to leave a comment with any personal experience regarding leadership!
Spot on Jim! I couldn't agree more that leadership begins in self-assessment. It seems that the challenge then becomes taking that knowledge and acting on it. How does this class then facilitate action?
Good question, Dean. It is all to apparent that we are all pretty good with theory. It is the practical application of it that is difficult for so many. Let's face it, leadership requires quite a bit of responsibility and accountability. To be good at anything requires practice. Once we understand our strengths and challenges as a result of honest self-assessment, we need to practice what behavior(s) enhance the strengths and address the challenges. There's no easy fix for just becoming a better person. It takes vigilance, commitment, and self-reflection. By sharing real stories of leadership in action, or leadership inaction, if you will, we can get closer to understanding what it takes to be good, even great. We will also address leadership concepts such as integrity, team building, problem solving, and decision making from a multiple perspective approach. This broadens one's point of view and gives one the ability to synthesize and expand one's vision, both internal and external. Once we can begin to be more generous in how we perceive ourselves and the world, we will begin to act differently toward ourselves and others.