The Competitive Edge Newsletter

Edition 32

Leadership

How do we BE a better leader?  By this I don't mean being the guy leading the army into battle!  I mean leadership that we can all embrace in our daily lives.  If you want to be surrounded by excellent people getting excellent results you need to first excel in your relationships with those around you.  You need to be a person of influence - a great leader.

Power in Small Things -

In today's society there is a hunger for authenticitiy: something, someone real to hold on to, to look up to, and to follow.

Trendy leadership techniques will only get you and your people so far.  You must BE authentic to get lasting results. You see, we are relational beings - no technique or formula driven system can inspire people to deliver their personal best on a consistent basis.  But you can!

A great series to watch on leadership is, of course, Lord of the Rings.  Here you will clearly see how the reasons people followed impacted the results of the mission.

Here's 5 levels of leadership, that is, 5 reasons why people will follow you.

Level 1 - You Dictate the Rules

Bosses, parents and teachers are three examples of people with authority - others will follow these leaders because they have to.  And, if this is the only reason you are followed, your influence will never exceed beyond the parameters of your position.

To surpass this level, you must work on our personal rapport with those around you.  Whether it be your customers, your team or your family, they are more likely to accept what you have to contribute if they see you as a person beyond your title.

Level 2 - The Power of Choice

Permission and Relationships

Building rapport with people is much like growing seeds.  When a seed falls on fertile ground it will take root and grow.  So it is with your actions.  Some people may brush you off (they are unfertile ground), but others will embrace your efforts and a productive relationship grows.

When you form a relationship with someone, you are allowing them to choose to follow you because they want to.  When this occurs, they will follow you beyond your stated authority - much like Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz.  Dorothy has no power over the scarecrow, lion or tinman, rather they choose to follow her on a great adventure.  This movie demonstrates how peer leadership, especially when it concerns morale, is often more powerful than hierarchical.

Level 3 - Reeling in Results

Production and Results

This is where people begin to sense success. Your people like you and what you're doing.  They see problems fixed because of your input.  They follow you because of what you have done.  In Gladiator we see an excellent example of this: Russell Crowe's character, Maximus, is able to regain the command and loyalty of his troops based on his competence and victories on the battlefield, as opposed to title or position. 

While some will be content with  reaping the benefits of working with you for results alone others will want a Level 4 Leader.

Level 4 - Leaving a Legacy

People Development and Reproduction

Are you committed to developing leaders to ensure the on-going growth of your organisation, your family or your community group?  You should be, this is where long-range growth occurs and legacies are born.

When people follow you because of what you have done for them they are in it for the long run and your work, your ideas and your values are given life long after your life has passed.

Mentor relationships are often formed on this level.  The mentoree sticks with the program because of the benefit or impact it can have on them and their ability to succeed.

What kind of legacy are you leaving for your team or your family?  What are you doing to grow the people around you?  If you want a lasting legacy - do whatever you can to achieve and stay on this level of leadership. (I found the movie Dead Poet's Society with Robin Williams a great one to watch on this theme)

Level 5 - Brave Enough to Share Your Heart

Personhood and Respect

We have come full circle back to authenticity.  People follow level 5 leaders because of who they are and what they represent.  Here you really do become larger than life because what you represent goes far beyond self-interest.

William Wallace, as depicted in Braveheart, was able to do what the Lords were not - lead simple men to great victory.  While others were hiding behind politics and title, William stepped forth as a simple man with great vision.  This the men of Scotland could relate to, hold on to and believe in.  Thus they were willing to follow Wallace, even to their death.

What do you stand for?  What is your mission?

Making it happen

Improving your leadership in any area of your life starts with spending some time considering where you're at now.  All changes to your life need to start with reflection and a desired end result.  So take about 15 minutes weekly to reflect on your progress as a leader and as a person - I do and I find it to be invaluable.

To move up to the next level of leadership...

• Firstly, list the different roles you have. (e.g. business owner, spouse, scout leader)
• And then, write down the level which you are currently leading in each of those roles.
• Now write down just one thing you can do to help take you to the next level.

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Quote of the Month

"Your candle loses nothing when it lights another."

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