The X of leadership

As part of our experiential development approach, we contrive situations for leaders so as to heighten their opportunities for observation and reflection around their acts of leadership, or as the participants thought I said because of my New Zealand accent, the X of leadership ;)

I liked their point. 

Action probably IS the X-factor of leadership.

As Impact International emphasise, leadership isn’t necessarily being a special kind of person: it is about a special kind of action.

It is an action which is seen by others as sincere, well-intentioned and reasonable in the circumstances and which mobilises others for the collective good.

It starts when we are aware and attentive to our internal and external environment and we notice what is or isn’t happening and what is therefore needed.  We decide what to do and with courage, we take action.

And we all have it in us to take such action.

And it need not be ‘big’ or start out big.  Today’s news highlights the bold acts of Bradley Manning, whose trial starts today, and the continuing demonstrations in Turkey as people strive to get their voices heard.    

But as also recognised by leaders on last week’s programme, there are also opportunities for subtle acts of leadership to be displayed on a daily basis.   It is when we speak up even though we will be judged harshly; it is when we take time to ask rather than tell; when we step back from our own way of doing things to let the ideas of others be adopted instead;  when we accept responsibility for a mistake; walking away when the fight isn’t worth it;  staying when it is; focusing on what went well when all you can see is what went wrong; giving others credit even when you would like to take it all; stepping out of your comfort zone and challenging orthodoxy.  The list goes on.

Notice. Decide. Courage. Act.

What will you do today?

Sources:

Impact’s Leadership Proposition: Transforming Leadership Development, Internal Briefing Document, © RL, Impact International 2012

Image:  Airborne boys by Brent Stirton.  Brent Stirton is a Senior Photographer for Getty Images, based in New York. His award-winning work has been widely recognized for its powerful depiction of issues related to conflict, health and environmental issues.   As posted by Vivid Greeting Cards on Facebook,  February 25, 2013.  Vivid Greeting Cards – luxury matte greeting cards.  Sign up to their Facebook Page to celebrate art, beauty and the many wonders of the world : https://www.facebook.com/pages/Vivid-Greeting-Cards/187838957957375

 

Mary Jo Asmus, June 14, 2011, 30 Overlooked Acts of Leadership Courage: http://www.aspire-cs.com/30-overlooked-acts-of-leadership-courage