Lots of people think that being a leader is a big ego trip.
And, when you really think about it, one’s ego is DEFINITELY a major part of the formula!
But…
…the manner in which you feed that ego really has LITTLE to do with those traits historically associated with egomaniacs…
…totally self-centered…
…complete authoritarian…
…overly demanding…
…”absolute” (as in “it’s either right or wrong…no in-betweens!”)..,
…”my way or the highway”…
…master/subordinate relationship…
…know-it-all…
…exclusive (as opposed to inclusive)…
…and the “one & only”!
And while the greatest of leaders do, indeed, have a portion of ALL these characteristics…a healthy portion…that is certainly not on what they base their reasons for success.
It’s not what grounds ’em!
Now, depending on the particular situation & a quick, health assessment of possible risks, there will be those times when “Now is NOT the time for discussion. Let’s move it!” is truly the right course of action.
You must have a “fairly-sizable ego”…
…that certain swagger…
…the self-confidence…
…the innate ability to influence others…
…the willingness to lead from in front as well as push from behind…
…a “real” personality (with, at least, a dose of magnetism)…
…a penchant for being front and center…
…not afraid of the spotlight yet more than willing to share it with others (especially when it comes to praise & accolades)…
…always giving your people the credit while accepting all the blame yourself…
…working with your people to jointly arrive at the right decisions (often a compromise) vs. always ramming stuff down their throat…
…being the first one in & the last one to leave…
…NEVER, EVER being out-worked, out-efforted, out-cared, out-smarted, out-anythinged or, at the very least, make that your goal…
…leading by example…
…so you can have that personal pride in what you & your people have accomplished for your customers & your company, NOT in your own position or the “power” you yield or the authority you have.
Take the greatest pleasure in what you have empowered, directed & led your organization to accomplish.
That’s how your ego gets stroked.
Not by what YOU think, but rather, how you’re viewed by others.
Having power, or being in charge, doesn’t necessarily mean getting people to do what you want or forcing them to give you what you demand.
Rather, it’s recognizing that generosity, love & trust are truly powerful, essential forces in producing win/win relationships.
For all.
A chain is only as strong as its weakest link.
Oh, BTW, a great leader is also humble…
🤔
Hey, I never said it would be easy!
As always, thank you so very much for listening!
P.S. I may have already told you about this before, but even if I have, it definitely bears repeating…
If you wanna be a leader or grow into an even better one, I STRONGLY SUGGEST that you:
– become a member of LinkedIn
“LinkedIn is an American business and employment-oriented online service that operates via websites and mobile apps. Launched on May 5, 2003, the platform is mainly used for professional networking, and allows job seekers to post their CVs and employers to post jobs.”
– once you’re a member, pls make sure you follow “Leadership First”!
A lot of the stuff I preach here will sound very familiar when you start reading the articles that the author posts.
And while I authored ALL MY STUFF way before I ever read, or even heard about, Leadership First…that’s the God’s honest truth…it’s so refreshing so see that the “professionals” BASICALLY think along the same lines that I do!
I would never accuse any professional, author or otherwise, of actually thinking like I do…thank God my insanity is not contagious!!!
But when I hear my ideas, beliefs, philosophies, etc. echoed by “real people” (and appreciated by them as well), it serves as confirmation to me that I’m on the right path.
Yes, one size does not fit all, but I do hope you’re able to learn something new (different?), substantiate stuff you’ve always believed & enjoy yourself while doing so!
Thank you!
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