What does it mean to LEAD?

As I introduced in my previous article, the LEADER model encapsulates the attributes common among great leaders. The six behaviors, LEAD, ENGAGE, ACHIEVE, DEVELOP, EMPOWER, & RESULTS provide a prescriptive model for seasoned and aspiring leaders. Executed correctly, these leadership traits can elevate leadership performance. In this article, we’ll dig a little deeper into the first leadership activity, namely, LEAD. 

LEAD – Have vision and set the course for the organization or team. Be a forward-thinker and show you’re ready to lead the way when it comes to personal & professional growth.

What does it mean to be a leader? Over the course of my career, I’ve learned there are many different roles and many different forms of being a leader. One central theme of leadership is embodied in the ability to create and share a vision of where the team needs to go. John Maxwell said,

 “A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.” 

I think that is right. Leadership is about expertise and vision.   Many times, people are put in leadership roles because they are good at what they do. The experts become the leaders. Demonstrating skills and know-how brings credibility. However, there is a distinct difference between being good at something and being able to lead a team performing that same work. One key difference is having vision. Vision is about painting a picture of a new future where something significant has been achieved and communicating this to the team.  

It is important that everyone knows what the goals are, and what his or her role is in helping to achieve them. Moreover, a leader must connect the vision to the individual needs and values of the team members. This gets everyone pulling in the same direction and provides the motivation to continue the work; even when the going gets tough.

Having vision is not just about creating any new future. Leadership is about being a forward-thinker and anticipating where the organization needs to go. Its about looking beyond today or tomorrow and understanding where the business needs to be three or five years from now. Implied in this is the ability to successfully manage risk. Leaders need to make bold decisions balanced against the cost of being wrong. The best way to manage this is to iterate on your vision. Be aware of the changes in macro and micro business environments and adjust your vision accordingly.

While expertise and vision are critical to leadership, in my opinion, they alone are not enough. Great leaders make their people better. Great leaders leave lasting impressions. Great leaders find pride in others’ success. Ultimately, I think that leading is best embodied by this quote from John Quincy Adams. 

“If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.”

What can you do to help someone achieve his or her dream? Are you a teacher who openly shares and helps others? How can you work across the organization to help your company serve customers or meet business objectives? What are you doing to help others grow and achieve their full potential?

Developing others and developing as a leader are two critical components of leadership. We’ll explore these in more detail when we cover ACHIEVE and DEVELOP.

Each of us has many chances throughout our day to demonstrate leadership. Embrace your opportunities. Become the leader you are meant to be.