We see leaders all around us: we see them in businesses, parliament, communities, and even in social settings.
We see them amongst the rich and the poor, men and women, young and old. Consider a group of small children playing for example: one always tends to take the lead while the others follow.
But if we see so many leaders, why do we find so little leadership?
To be a truly effective leader, one needs to be present. This doesn’t mean arriving at the office for a day of work, chatting to team members and sending some emails before heading out to a client dinner.
Being present means making a positive impact on those around you, being mindful of others, owning your voice and showing heart.
Positive reinforcement
Neuroscience now proves that when we receive positive reinforcement, the brain releases a hormone called oxytocin into the bloodstream. Oxytocin is a “feel-good” hormone, which is known to reduce anxiety and increase trust.
The more people trust you, the more receptive they will be to your feedback and suggestions and the more likely they are to share their thoughts and opinions with you. This opens up communication channels that allow us to be aware of and influence what is happening in our business and to have the best chance of success.
Mindfulness
Leaders need to make a conscious effort to be mindful (present) in order to enable meaningful engagement with their team members. To achieve this, it is important to listen, to hear to understand.
Team members want to have the type of relationship with their leader that allows them to raise concerns and share opinions without fear of judgement. Be mindful of how your team members tend to respond when you communicate with them in order to increase the chances of a fruitful interaction for both parties – remembering that positive reinforcement reinforces trust.
Owning your voice without imposing it
Leaders cannot afford to get caught up in the business of their jobs to the detriment of keeping their eye on the big picture. This will ultimately be to the detriment of the entire organisation. It is important to connect with all team members and your external network on a regular basis, not only to be informed but also to influence the business environment favourably.
If you become aware of something that is not the way it should be, rather have the tough conversations that we so often avoid. Doing so in a mindful manner, as explained above, will have a positive impact as opposed to the negative impact that forcefulness and imposing yourself can have. Your efforts will be rewarded as it will clear the air and allow for taking the steps to address the issues.
The heart brings hands and minds
Being passionate about where your team members, the team and the organisation wants to be increases your chance of getting there.
Why? Because if everyone has the same goal in mind and everyone is aligned to it, collaboration increases. And the more collaboration, the more productivity. It is, however, very important to balance the passion that you have for business results with the care that you show for your team members. You should care for the individuals but not at the expense of the business. Care enough to have your heart in it and hold them accountable.
Considering these points, how present are you as a leader? Not only in your organisation, but also in your community and in life in general?
Remember that leaders lead all the time – no matter what the setting is. You need to be present not only to impact the team and organisation positively, but also to influence and inspire others to be present and bring their whole being to work.
Brian Eagar | Founder and CEO | TowerStone | http://www.towerstone-global.com/ | brian.eagar@towerstone-global.com |
