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“I am a leader by default, only because nature does not allow a vacuum.” – Desmond Tutu
I like this quote. To be honest, it makes me think. Nature does not allow a vacuum. What does Tutu mean by that?
A vacuum, as defined by the Merriam-Webster dictionary, is a state of isolation from outside influences. All throughout the history of this nation and of civilization, the great leaders that have made major accomplishments haven’t done so without seeking additional assistance. And that is true for the everyday leader too. Real leadership just doesn’t happen without outside influence.
“Let go my ego!”
That’s right, let it go. Real progress is sometimes held up when we won’t get out of the way of ourselves. Gather yourself, express some humility, be humble, and accept the fact that you might not have all the answers. This can be really tough at times. We want to be the leader that everyone can rely on for the most difficult issues. Strong enough to stop a bullet. Faster than a speeding train. You can be that go-to guy, but you don’t have to have all the answers. You just have to know how to ask the right questions. In fact, coming back with a question can empower and open an opportunity for development.
Talk to your advisors
Now that you have put the ego aside for a bit, gather information from someone you trust. I had mentioned another quote I like before, “None of us is as good as all of us”. A great leader needs a shoulder to lean on. A friend to ping questions and concerns off of. A trusted advisor. Someone who has been there before. If you get a good range of opinions, then you have the power to make a better decision. One of my favorite questions to ask is “What do you think?”
Foster relationships
Those advisors, who are really just c0-workers, friends, family, fellow industry professionals, are there to help you. Use the people around you, garner their trust, and give them buy-in. When you give someone buy-in, it empowers them. Think about the last time someone asked you for your opinion on something you didn’t think your input was worthy of. Didn’t it feel good to be included?
Do you have trusted advisors you can consult with when making difficult decisions? You can leave your comment below.
I really like this Leo. When did we accept the fact that leaders are loners. Comments like “it’s lonely at the top” lure us into believing that being a leader means doing it alone. I love that you get to the root of a real problem i see in leadership today: PRIDE.
I do have advisors I go to. The best advisors don’t give advise. They help lay out all the options you aren’t seeing.
Thank you Julia. That phrase really irks me too. I just heard it last night actually. I told my wife, “I hate when people say that, it just doesn’t have to be true.”
Completely agree with you, sometimes that second set of eyes is all that is necessary.
I really like this Leo. When did we accept the fact that leaders are loners. Comments like “it’s lonely at the top” lure us into believing that being a leader means doing it alone. I love that you get to the root of a real problem i see in leadership today: PRIDE.
I do have advisors I go to. The best advisors don’t give advise. They help lay out all the options you aren’t seeing.
Thank you Julia. That phrase really irks me too. I just heard it last night actually. I told my wife, “I hate when people say that, it just doesn’t have to be true.”
Completely agree with you, sometimes that second set of eyes is all that is necessary.
Great post, Leo!
Thank you Adam, I really enjoyed crafting this one.
Great post, Leo!
Thank you Adam, I really enjoyed crafting this one.