Leadership insights, paying it forward

I am looking to collect a series of leadership insights, either from a personal perspective or insights that were shared with you, maybe a leadership story, helpful books to read or even those leadership experts to follow. The idea is to help those future leaders on their leadership journey, benefit from our insights and advice.  What style for you prefer, servant leadership, micro-manager, dictator?

Here are some famous quotes on leadership insights to get you started:

“Leadership is lifting a person’s vision to high sights, the raising of a person’s performance to a higher standard, the building of a personality beyond its normal limitations.” —Peter Drucker

“My job is not to be easy on people. My job is to take these great people we have and to push them and make them even better.” Steve Jobs

For me personally I got some great advice from one of my first bosses (Paul Reynolds), he said that you must lead by example and not get others to do things that you yourself would not want to do, he also went on to say that you should always be genuine and fair, as most people will call out disingenuous behaviour in the end.

What Leadership means to me?

Leadership, to me, means inspiring and guiding individuals or teams toward a common goal while fostering an environment of trust, collaboration, and growth. It’s about more than just making decisions or giving directions; it’s about setting a vision, leading by example, and empowering others to reach their full potential.

A true leader listens and communicates effectively, understands the strengths, aspirations and weaknesses of their team members, and provides the support and resources needed for success. They are adaptable, able to navigate challenges with resilience, and committed to continuous learning and improvement.

Leadership also involves integrity and accountability, ensuring that actions align with values and commitments. It’s about creating a culture where everyone feels valued, motivated, and invested in the collective mission. Ultimately, leadership is about making a positive impact, not only achieving objectives but also nurturing a legacy of growth, innovation, and respect.

Servant Leadership style

Servant leadership is a leadership philosophy, and one I follow as it naturally aligns with my values.  It emphasises the leader’s role as a caretaker and supporter of their team. Instead of focusing on exercising power or achieving personal success, servant leaders prioritise the growth, well-being, and development of their team members. This is what servant leadership means to me:

1. Putting Others First: Servant leaders prioritize the needs of their team members above their own. They seek to understand and support the personal and professional goals of their team, helping them succeed and flourish.
2. Empathy and Understanding: A key characteristic of servant leadership is empathy. Servant leaders strive to understand the perspectives, emotions, and challenges of their team members, creating a supportive and nurturing environment.
3. Empowerment and Development: Servant leaders focus on empowering their team members by providing them with the tools, resources, and opportunities they need to develop their skills and advance their careers. They invest in their team’s growth and encourage continuous learning.
4. Active Listening: Effective communication is at the heart of servant leadership. Servant leaders actively listen to their team members, valuing their input, feedback, and ideas. This fosters a culture of openness and trust.
5. Community Building: Servant leaders work to build a sense of community and collaboration within and across their teams. They promote teamwork, inclusivity, and a shared sense of purpose, encouraging everyone to work together towards common goals.
6. Leading by Example: Servant leaders demonstrate the behaviours and values they wish to see in their team. They lead with integrity, humility, and authenticity, serving as role models for their team members.
7. Stewardship: Servant leaders act as stewards of their organisation’s resources and their team’s well-being. They take responsibility for their team’s performance and ensure that resources are used wisely and ethically.
8. Foresight and Vision: While focusing on the present needs of their team, servant leaders also maintain a clear vision for the future. They guide their team towards long-term goals and sustainable success, balancing short-term actions with long-term strategy.
9. Healing and Support: Servant leaders recognise the importance of emotional and psychological well-being. They provide support during difficult times, helping team members to recover, grow, and move forward positively.

By adopting a servant leadership style, leaders can create a positive, inclusive, and productive work environment where team members feel valued, motivated, and engaged. This approach not only enhances individual performance but also contributes to the overall success and resilience of the organisation

Please leave your leadership insights in the comments section below…..