Inspire Your Team Your Way
What does a real leader look like and sound like? Is there a best leadership personality or style? Can you duplicate that?
Dynamic, “bigger-than-life” leaders like Richard Branson, Oprah Winfrey or Donald Trump definitely earn style points, but it’s more than their style that makes them effective leaders. In fact, Jim Collins, in his ground-breaking book Good to Great, identifies the most effective leaders, measured by their companies’ financial performance over time. Surprisingly, the most effective executives often are not the flashy, high-profile types you might expect, but more low-key and behind the scenes in their approach.
We respect and admire leaders who have made a positive impact in our lives and it can be tempting to emulate their style in search of making that same kind of impact on others. It’s good to desire similar results, but it’s a mistake to believe you have to be or act a certain way to be an effective leader.
Many attributes of successful leadership are universal and they can and should be learned. Others are a simply a matter of personal style. It’s important to know the difference.
In their bestselling book, The Leadership Challenge, authors James Kouzes and Barry Posner show the results of their 30-year study of thousands of executives. Their research identifies 20 leadership characteristics that would inspire executives to follow another leader.
The number one trait identified is honesty and it follows that you can’t be seen as honest and authentic if you’re trying to be like someone else in style and approach. Being authentic means being who you are.
How can you inspire your team your way and get great results? The key is to develop proven leadership attributes and attitudes and implement them with your own personality and style. Here are four keys to inspiring your team your way:
1) Know and be who you are.
This can start with introspection but should also include some objective measurements like a DISC, Caliper or StrengthFinders assessment along with the new Maxwell Leadership Assessment. Knowing your strengths and preferred behavior style allows you to work in your strength zones where you will get better results with less effort.
Knowing your preferred behavior style also allows you to recognize what works best for you. If you are mellow and unassuming, don’t try to be a loud, outgoing leader. You’ll be uncomfortable and others may see you as phony or trying too hard. If you’re naturally loud, fun-loving and outgoing, don’t try to come off as an intense intellectual. If you’re an intense intellectual, trying to be the class clown will be unnatural and awkward.
Of course, each of us has opportunities for growth in our people skills. It’s important to practice good communication skills and learn to relate well to others who may have a different work style, background or worldview. Finally, being who we are is never an excuse to be rude, manipulative or unkind in our dealings with others. You may say “that’s just how I am.” I would say to that, “time to change.”
2) Learn and practice proven leadership attitudes and attributes.
John Maxwell’s books are a great place to start. I recommend The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership, Leadership Gold and The 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth.
3) Create a compelling vision for your team.
Whether you have a traditional structure with direct reports or work in an informal team environment, having a clear and compelling vision will create focused activity for the group. Just like a magnifying glass can turn the light of a cold but sunny day into a beam that will set paper on fire, a clear vision will give your team the focus it needs to get lasting results.
4) Inspire Team Members to Greatness.
Help team members find and work in their areas of strength. Help them get out of their comfort zones to stretch and grow into their strength zones. Give clear direction, allow them to find innovative solutions and hold them accountable for results.
Develop proven leadership attributes, attitudes and communication skills. Implement them with your own personality and style. Inspire your team your way. Great results are waiting for you. Go get them!
About the Author
Karl J. Newman is a Featured Writer for the John Maxwell Team Blog.
Karl is an executive leader and influential communicator who develops strategies for growth and effective solutions to business and organizational challenges. He is President & CEO of several successful companies and founder of Envision Leadership, LLC. Karl uses his real-world experience to help leaders maximize personal, team and organizational performance.
As a certified John Maxwell leadership speaker, trainer and coach, Karl brings you more than theory and concepts. He brings you customized real-world solutions you can turn into results – both in your own life and across your organization.
Contact Karl at : www.johnmaxwellgroup.com/karlnewman