It’s been an interesting season in culture to see so many people “trying on” different leadership styles to match what the culture wants or requires. Some even taking on styles that altogether look like a teenage boy trying on his much larger dads suit coat. They don’t fit, yet leaders are doing what they know, trying to lead.
In this mindset I come to leaders young and old and pursue you to remember a few key details about your own leadership that are important.
1. You are created to be you, not someone else. This is an especially interesting point for me. Good leaders can adapt their style to lead how the culture needs them to, but when you change your style you miss out on the important factor that makes your style, yours. And that’s you. You were uniquely designed to see the world as you see it, and your leadership, though always available to refinement, doesn’t need to change so much that it no longer looks like you. You lead like you lead. And that’s a good thing, because the world has never seen a leader like you before.
2. There is beauty in the process. This is not an original thought, but this is worth noting. Leaders continue to grow. Leaders are learners after all. So as you grow, give yourself grace for the process. Then process exists to help you grow, and it’s beautiful. Don’t shy away from it; it’s good for you.
3. Your voice matters. We kind of talked about this in number 1. Your voice matters and as leaders when we try to sound like someone else, it gets muddy and confusion can set it. No one can lead just like someone else and maintain their authenticity. And your authentic voice matters because you have a understanding of the world that enhances the room. And it’s good for you, it’s good for us, and it’s good for the leadership you bring to the table.
I’m certain there are many more ideas out there, but I wanted to get to the point as quickly as I could. Lead the way you lead, because the world needs you to.
leadershape 