I loved the imagery of soldiers in alignment working together… Each on the same mission, knowing their every move, and being the example for each other. I am often asked “How can I be a better leader in my position?” or told “I want to go into leadership.” First, we make leadership more complicated than it really is, and act like it is only for the privileged few. The most common misconception is that leadership is linked to your title. Title is nothing more than your granted level of decision making. Leadership is different and is solely based on one’s consistent example and effective initiative. People respect and follow consistency; consistency builds reliability and trust. They understand the mission, they take initiative, they look out for others, and they do not wait on others to get the job done. Great leaders do not wake up every morning thinking about being a better leader or their title. They wake up knowing that people are counting on them, that they have to be the best example, and that they have to be on top of their game. The best organizations have leadership at all levels. It is a snowball effect of people ready to serve others, show others, and succeed in performance. Bad leadership is about title and proving authority. These people expect automatic respect, hide their insecurities, and are consumed with their position. These people are not as concerned about their example as they are other people respecting their position. They can cripple their best people and are known to make rash decisions just to prove they are in charge. They use their title as a mechanism of fear; they want more followers, not more leaders… Great leaders understand that their title gives them the authority, but their leadership becomes exponential through others.

So How Can I Lead Better Today:

• Be the example of loyalty: Support leadership and colleagues when they are not around.
• Be the example of the solution: You have a valuable opinion and it is okay to disagree. However, once a decision is made; move forward as one. Talking about it later is being disloyal.
• Be the example of positivity: Do not engage in blaming, complaining, or faming… Choke the Negative
• Be the example of culture: Your greatest gift is the best version of yourself
• Be the example of focus: Focus on your purpose more than your position.
• Be the example of consistency part 1: You do not become what your vision is, you become what your system is…. You become what you repeatedly do and leadership is found in what you are doing… people follow the consistent example.
• Be the example of consistency part 2: How do you know you are consistent? Because it is seen in your decisions…. 1) Show up mentally and physically 2) Deal with people the right way 3) Do the work
• Be the example of taking initiative part 1: Do not wait to be told what to do. The best employees understand the mission, anticipate, and execute without constant direction.
• Be the example of taking initiative part 2: The best football players are always around the football. The best employees are always around the work and seeking to bring value.
• Be the example of giving proper direction: Do not lead or give instruction with sarcasm… It screams insecurity, does not motivate, and only creates a silent disrespect for you as a leader. Great employees want specific information and not a riddle to decipher.
• Be the example of seeking knowledge: Study leadership and apply it… Just do not read about it…. Share with others…
• Be the example of respecting others’ position: Respect the chain of command through communication first and action second. Acting out of turn or withholding information does not make you a better leader… It makes you a problem within the organization.
• Be the example of ownership: When asked why you or the group is doing something. Do not say because, “That is what so and so said to do or because that is what leadership decided.” Say, “Because that is the direction WE have decided to go in.” It is time to stop being a follower and be an extension of leadership. One answer screams that you do not agree, are just complying, or are not bought in… The other answers screams togetherness.
• Be the example of a humble servant: People love to announce everything they are doing for others. Stop telling everyone everything you are doing and how hard you are working. It makes people play the comparison game, numbs the conversation, and kills your genuine work. The greatest servant leaders; love to do things nobody sees, does not seek recognition, and is silently satisfied. Trust me… people know who does the work….

In close, the goal is simple and massive… The next time you walk into a room, I want you to view yourself differently… I want you to make your favorite quote a reality you live everyday. I want you to have that dopamine rush of something to accomplish. I want you to rid yourself of agenda anxiety and mental exhaustion. I want you to go from I should be a leader to I want to be a leader. I want you to really understand that leadership is simply an example others wish to follow. Leadership is the example of how you use your God given gifts… The best version of yourself….. I want you to realize that consistency is always going to be a struggle and to accept it as a daily challenge. I want you to realize that leadership is about relationships… And through great relationships you will make great decisions. Know that in life someone is always playing defense. People will bluff you and try to manipulate you into not thinking you are a leader. All this means is that you are a threat to their personal security. Everyone has the ability to be a leader, because everyone provides an example one way or another. You were born to be special, and the choice is yours to be a better leader today…