Leadership Unlocked: Earning the Right to Lead
By Jayson Krause, Managing Director of Level 52 & Award-Winning Author of The Science Behind Success
In the world of leadership, there's a common misconception that authority is granted with a title. But true leadership isn't about a fancy title or a corner office. It's about earning the right to lead, to give feedback, to coach, and to hold others accountable.
Let's start with a cautionary tale. Picture this: a newly appointed manager, brimming with enthusiasm and armed with a plethora of leadership books, steps into his role. He immediately starts giving feedback, coaching his team, and holding them accountable. But there's a problem. He hasn't earned the right to do so. The result? His feedback falls on deaf ears, his coaching is met with resistance, and his attempts at accountability breed resentment.
Why? Because leadership isn't a right; it's a privilege. It's something that must be earned through trust, respect, and credibility. Without these, a leader is just a boss, and a boss can never inspire the same level of commitment, engagement, and performance as a true leader.
So, how can leaders earn the right to lead? Here are a few tips that come out of our award-winning Accelerated Leader Program:
Build Trust: Trust is the foundation of any relationship, and it's especially crucial in leadership. Be honest, transparent, and reliable. Follow through on your promises. Show your team that you're someone they can count on.
Show Respect: Respect isn't about being nice; it's about acknowledging the value that each person brings to the table. Listen to your team's ideas, value their contributions, and treat them with dignity and fairness.
Establish Credibility: Credibility is about demonstrating your competence and integrity. Show your team that you know what you're talking about, that you can do what you say you can do, and that you'll do what's right, even when it's hard.
Lead by Example: Actions speak louder than words. If you want your team to exhibit certain behaviours, you need to exhibit them first. Show them what good looks like, and they'll follow your lead.
Invest in Relationships: Leadership is about people, not tasks. Invest time in getting to know your team. Understand their strengths, their challenges, and their aspirations. Show them that you care about them as individuals, not just as employees.
Earning the right to lead is about more than just stepping into a leadership role. It's about building trust, showing respect, establishing credibility, leading by example, and investing in relationships. It's a journey, not a destination, and it's a journey that every leader must embark on if they want to unlock the true power of leadership.
