This discussion series is an excerpt of my book: The Competence Myth - Why your technical skills are no longer enough and what you can do about it (based on Chapter 3: Becoming a Leader
What comes to mind when you hear the term leader? Who do you think of? Maybe your boss or your supervisor? The fact is anyone can be a leader –at any level. Have you ever heard the term, “A born leader”? Well, that’s little more than a euphemism. Anyone can be a leader! Consider this: all of us, everyone, is the collective sum of our life experiences and influences. Some people may have simply had more opportunities for leadership roles along the way.
I define leadership as the active ongoing commitment and service to others. In this series, I’ll discuss traits common to effective leadership.
Let’s begin by defining the type of leader we seek to develop. Although leadership is often synonymous with power, position, and authority, that’s not necessarily the situation you’ll experience. That doesn’t matter! Under any circumstance, you can, and should, be a leader at your level.
Within this context, we’re talking about your ability to enhance the wellbeing of those around you. We’re talking about your ability to lend guidance, encouragement, and assistance to co-workers, friends, and family. That is the essence of leadership. Your willingness to help others succeed ultimately contributes to your success.
The most important trait of any leader is effective communication skills. Your ability to connect, and share both your vision and perspective is fundamental. Beyond that, leaders help foster an environment where others feel safe to express their ideas, including their doubts. This open and uninhibited exchange of opinions drives innovation and problem solving.
Your ability to make others feel valued and appreciated makes you a leader at any level. However, to do this in a way that’s sustainable, you have to genuinely care about those around you. There’s no faking it. You can always intellectualize it, but unless you personally adapt and apply these principles, you will not be effective. Think of it this way: You would want someone to genuinely care about, and value you as an individual. As an emerging leader within your team, you’re the one to start the process. You become the model by which the standard of care can be measured.
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