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Two Simple Ways Anyone Can Lead Well Anywhere
Quickly applying the core definition of leadership
Leadership is a complicated topic.
There are countless books and articles attempting to explain it. The question is, what is leadership at its core?
Let’s make it as simple as possible.
Several dictionaries agree that leadership is “the ability to guide and direct.”
Ability is the power to lead. Everyone has this in some situations. If you know something others in your circle don’t, you have the power to lead.
That doesn’t mean you have permission.
Let’s drill down a little deeper.
Guides and Directors
Guides are models for behavior. They can model it or give instructions and release people to behave that way.
Directors steer others’ behavior. This often comes through consistent monitoring by the leader and by using rules as fences.
Which is better?
It depends. Guiding is better when urgency is low. Directors excel when urgency is high.
In a perfect world, Guides would excel because people would assume the responsibility to lead themselves. That, of course, is a choice we can all make.
To lead yourself well, you must know the rules of engagement your situation requires. When you do, you make it easier for Directors to be Guides.
When you guide yourself to greatness, you direct others to give their best.
Now go lead your best in every responsible role you have.
