There’s no single way to lead.
There’s no single leadership skill.
A title does not make you a leader.
But there are three essential foundations for leadership.
Leadership requires empathy.
Leadership requires purpose.
And leadership requires trust.
Those who know my thinking on leadership might raise an eyebrow at curiosity’s absence. Curiosity is still my top leadership skill. It’s not, however, foundational per se, yet useful at foundational stages!
Defining a leader
Someone who supports others in doing their best work and being their best selves. A leader works in service of others, ie both individuals and organisations.
Empathy
Empathy is the most important foundational leadership skill. Supporting others requires leaders to understand and recognise different perspectives, actively listening to them, and seeking more effective connection and communication. Empathy creates a safe environment for sharing ideas, builds relationships, facilitates better decision making, and engenders trust (see below). It’s essential to working and connecting with others. Empathy as a leader is non-negotiable.
Purpose
As a leader your purpose will guide your decisions and your actions. For some that might be closely tied to a vision and direction for their work, albeit not always the case at foundational stage. Purpose galvanises and motivates people to work with a common goal, forging better teams with shared vision. Shared purpose unites teams and the work is elevated. It’s not possible to lead successfully without purpose and belief in what’s being done.
Trust
Trust is key in supporting others. Trust fosters productive relationships by enabling more effective collaboration and a more positive work environment. Without trust it’s unlikely you’ll work as well with clients and within teams. Trust holds everything together and allow projects to progress smoothly.
Trust is established by leaders modelling the behaviour they seek and being open and transparent in what they say and do. Doing so ethically and consistently will foster respect and grow trust.
Foundation for a start
I’ve simplified here.
For clarity, I’ve picked only three foundations as start.
And I’d like to end with a slight reframe of the three core requirements for effective leadership.
Leadership is of and for humans. That’s where empathy is required.
Leadership requires direction. That’s where purpose comes in.
Leadership requires connection. Trust binds.
It’s best to found your leadership with: humans, direction and connection.
AI image generated in Canva
