Let's Talk Leadership

When we talk leadership do we instantly think of the people who have this attached to their titles? Personally I believe titles in business restrict our way of thinking and behaving, but this is another story. I believe leaders need to be listeners and followers, therefore everyone is a leader; children, parents, sports people, teachers, coaches, academics, business people, mentors, friends – you and I at all stages of our lives play a leadership role; so what makes us good leaders?

People whom I once thought as incapable leaders have played a big part in my leadership learning. These leaders gave me the opportunity to manage upwards, think outside that square so many people talk about, and realise many leaders don’t provide people with answers but will place you in situations to seek the right answer. Quoting a scene in the movie Evan Almighty – “if you wanted to spend more time together as a family, would God just make this happen or would he provide us with the opportunity to make this happen”?

Leaders who have been assertive, constructive and honest, without judgment or blame have been the leaders I chose to remember. These leaders have given me a sense of belonging, providing support when needed, yet stretched my thinking unconsciously that somewhere along the road I managed to gain my confidence to be the individual I once inspired to be. These people are natural leaders whom just do the right thing and not confuse leadership with doing what’s right. These leaders often enter our life then move on or they have always been there; take the opportunity to identify and reward these people when we can, they are definitely worth it.

We often do not allow ourselves time to reflect on what we have, what we have done and whom we have met. I believe we are doing this more now hence the demand of life coaches, so this is a good thing; but don’t sell yourself short, my belief in leadership is to take all your learning’s and all your opportunities and do the right thing. Regularly reflect on what you have done with your life, not only the material aspect of what you have achieved but the people you have met, the people who today support, guide you or criticise you, they may not seem a leader now, but they will later. Do this often and you will identify opportunities to move in different directions, take action or just remain in a situation you find comfort in - knowing it’s where you belong. As the saying goes; we are all the authors of our own life and as the main character in the story you have many opportunities to change the story line. Knowing this can be done will prevent any regret. Remember - the greatest leader in your life’s story is you.