The Leadership Revolution: Why Every Professional is a Leader (and How to Act Like One)
What exactly does it mean to be a leader? Long considered restricted to higher levels of hierarchy, a broader definition of the word "leader" can impact how we all show up. What does this mean for individuals, professionals and organizations?
The funny thing about high-velocity change, with its shifting landscapes, disruptive technologies, and constant reorganizations, is that everyone is becoming more important—we all need to show up as leaders to make this work.
For too long, we've clung to the myth that leadership is reserved for those at the top of the organizational chart. But as General Stanley McChrystal, Jeff Eggers and Jason Mangone argue in their book Leaders: Myth and Reality, leadership is far more complex and nuanced than we've been led to believe.
A leader, according to the dictionary, is "a person who leads." There's no precision as to what one leads. And lead means to "guide on a way," "to direct a course of action," and to "have charge of." So, we can lead others. Yes. And we can lead ourselves (this comes first!). And we can lead in any context.
Leadership clearly isn't about title or position—it's about direction, actions, and influence. In fact, a study published in the Journal of Applied Psychology found that informal leadership (leadership without official authority) can have a significant positive impact on team performance and innovation.
So, what does this mean for us? Simply put, we have the power to lead from wherever we are inside or outside an organization. And with this power comes responsibility—the responsibility to develop our leadership skills and use them to drive positive change. Everywhere.
Becoming a Leader: The Mindsets and Skills We Need
From my work with leaders across organizations and industries, I've found a number of common threads. People become leaders through a journey of discovering themselves and learning about others. People follow leaders who build trust, show confidence, and are going somewhere. Lets look at some skills that help with each of these actions.
Building Trust
Cultivate emotional intelligence. According to an article published in the Harvard Business Review, emotional intelligence is twice as important as IQ and technical skills in determining outstanding leadership. Practice self-awareness, empathy, and effective communication to boost your EQ. It helps with all the change management and influencing we need to undertake these days.
Adopt a coaching mindset. Great leaders develop others, and coaching is a fabulous way to do that. Take a page from the playbook of companies like Roche Diagnostics, which replaced traditional managers with coaches. The result? Increased employee productivity (+20%!) and happiness.
Show Confidence
Embrace continuous learning. Staying relevant means staying curious and feeling more competent and confident. Dedicate time each week to learning new skills or exploring industry trends.
Cultivate a mentorship mindset. Both giving and receiving mentorship are crucial. According to a study by Olivet Nazarene University, 76% of people think mentors are important, but only 37% currently have one. Bridge this gap by actively seeking mentorship opportunities and offering your expertise to others.
Develop adaptability in the face of increased complexity. Cultivate a growth mindset and view challenges as opportunities for innovation.
Go Somewhere
Refine prioritization. To guide others, we need to help them focus on what counts. A martial arts master of mine once explained why we choose a master—so we can focus on one path and not get distracted along the way. Leaders on the path help us focus with clear prioritization and expectations.
Focus on purpose and vision, not tasks and process. In addition to strategic thinking, leaders need to understand the "why" behind their work and express a clear, inspiring vision. Help your team connect their daily tasks to broader organizational goals and to their individual aspirations, fostering a sense of purpose and motivation.
Embrace technological fluency. There's no escaping it, we all need to be comfortable with technology—this has become even more evident since generative AI made its splash début. Stay ahead by continuously updating your tech skills and understanding emerging trends.
Leading Through Turbulence: Navigating Change and Challenges
Leadership is never a one-and-done state. It's constantly changing. Here are five tips to stay agile in the midst of change and challenges.
Practice resilience. Resilient leaders bounce back from setbacks stronger than before. Develop your resilience by reframing failures as learning opportunities, maintaining a positive outlook, and getting our of your comfort zone regularly.
Communicate transparently. Nothing beats clear and honest communication as a leadership skill. A study by Edelman found that transparent and frequent communication from leadership is the top factor in building employee trust.
Empower others. Leaders let go of their inner control freak and resist the urge to micromanage. Instead, they empower others by delegating responsibilities and trusting in their abilities.
Seek diverse perspectives. Complex problems often require diverse solutions. Foster an inclusive environment where all voices are heard and valued.
Stay true to your values: Your core values serve as a compass. Make decisions that align with your principles, even when it's difficult.
Embracing Your Inner Leader: A Call to Action
By recognizing that leadership is about influence, not position, you open up a world of possibilities to impact others in a positive way, both in your work and the rest of your life. Here are a few helpful action steps:
What kind of leader are you? Think about your values and how you want to show up for others.
Identify one area where you can step up and lead, regardless of your current role.
Commit to learning one new skill that will enhance your leadership.
Seek out a reverse mentorship opportunity to gain fresh perspectives.
As you embark on this leadership journey, keep in mind the words of John Quincy Adams: "If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader."