Imagine this… We are sitting in a cosy café, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee mingling with the soft chatter around us. You lean forward, your eyes alight with curiosity, as we delve into a topic that is as personal as it is professional: what it means to be a great leader. Those that know me well can imagine this situation in real-life as Leadership is a topic close to my heart.
1. Moving Beyond Textbooks: A Personal Take on Leadership
I studied International Business and have done many training sessions on this topic. We know what is in all the books; however, let’s forget the textbooks and the corporate jargon for a minute. Let’s talk about leadership in a way that hits home. Together with what I learnt in all those years at university and experience, true leadership is not just about lofty theories or complex strategies, it’s about staying human, leading by example, and treating others the way we want to be treated. At its core, leadership is as much about who we are as individuals as it is about our roles in an organisation. Training and education help to give reflection, structure, and trigger this.
Embracing Humanity in Leadership
Looking from the organisation’s eye, the corporate world is a whirlwind and amidst the chaos, it is easy to forget that leaders are still human beings. They have strengths, weaknesses, and emotions just like everyone else, however the best leaders I have known are those who stay in touch with their humanity, who do not strive for perfection but for authenticity. There was a Director I once worked with who had a habit of rolling up her sleeves and joining the team during crunch times. It was not about micromanaging; it was about solidarity. When her team saw her dropping everything to help out, they knew she understood their struggles firsthand. This was not in her job description or the working long hours, but it was in her nature to support.
The Power of Trust and Vulnerability
Leadership is about trust, and trust is built not just through consistent actions but through vulnerability. It is ok to not know it all, to not have a good day and to be vulnerable. Do you know why? It makes you human! It is always a balance though… how vulnerable to be. There’s truly little difference between the leader you are in the office and the person you are in life. The same principles apply: integrity, empathy, and respect.
See also: The Different Leadership Styles: What Type of Leader Are You?
Leading by Example
In my experience, the best leaders lead by example and can manage that balance effectively. It is not about talking the talk; it’s about walking the walk. When leaders demonstrate integrity, humility, and resilience, they set a standard for their teams. The timeless “golden rule” principle of treating others as you want to be treated is the cornerstone of effective leadership. Leaders who practise this Golden Rule create a positive work environment where people feel valued and respected. This leads to higher job satisfaction, better teamwork, and increased productivity. I mean, which business does not strive for that?
2. The Impact of Leadership on Organisational Success
Not a surprise, but research shows that authentic leadership profoundly impacts an organisation’s success. Companies with highly engaged workforces outperform their peers, while poor leadership can have disastrous effects. Quite interestingly, 71% of companies do not feel their current leaders are able to lead their organisation into the future according to this study. On the other side, eight in 10 of workers with highly effective managers feel valued at their organisation, compared to 35% of workers lacking such managers, according to findings from the Society for Human Resource Management. That is a high statistic to consider…
See also: Collaborative Leadership: How to Involve Your Team In Your Way of Working
Striving for Authenticity and Integrity
As we finish our coffee, imagine looking in the mirror and seeing your ideal leader. What qualities do they possess? Strive to be that leader. Lead with authenticity and integrity, and you will not only achieve better results but also create a positive, empowering environment for everyone around you. Find your path of how to bring out those qualities – which as part my journey included climbing the Kilimanjaro (hence the picture). Remember, when we bring out the best in others, we bring out the best in ourselves, and success will naturally follow.
Driving Change at Wemanity
At Wemanity, we strive to drive change within the culture and leadership through agility in transformations with always the eye on improvement and driving business growth. This could be on a project, corporate culture or Leadership mindset.
