The following is a “picture” of leadership in action. These words carry an image of what the development of your leadership can look like.
It’s a picture of a leader who has no blind, unenergized followers, but who is so much about unleashing the full potential of an organization that they draw out the leadership potential of everyone who is contributing to the goals of transformation and participating in achieving measurable results. This is the picture of a leader that can create the calm, powerful force that makes people actively seek leadership while simultaneously shining their own light.
Leadership is a high-level art and science that can be cultivated and mastered over time. Leaders can be anyone who simply remains vigilant. They are people who embrace their imperfections, growing wise by learning from and building on previous actions and results. To them, problems are opportunities to be seized. Despite pressure, they have learned to remain focused and clear. Their calm confidence sets the tone for everyone around them. Before they push others to new levels of performance, leaders are already pushing themselves. They do not settle for anything but the right information to guide and shape sound decisions. They are not restless, but they will not rest until they see results.
Leaders are authentic and credible. They mind their manners in every encounter with every person. That makes them fair and respectful. People do not feel used by them, but tapped and challenged and supported. Leaders are not only about the goal but also about the people heading toward it. Without the calm, powerful force unique to authentic leaders, dynamic energy cannot be leased to power the enterprise forward in sustainable results.
Phil Johnson, MBL University
