The Essence of Being a Leader

What is the essence of leadership? How do leaders effectively implement, sustain, and scale change? There is no shortage of responses regarding the topic, which is why questions are more important than answers. Narrowing down the most critical competencies can take time and effort. However, let’s look at it from the perspective of debunking what authentic leadership is, not to get at the heart of what it really is when it comes to agents of change.

The word "leader" is often paired with "follower." However, leadership is not about attracting others to follow. In fact, I think that this definition of leadership is outdated and limiting. Leadership is about inspiring others to take action. It's about creating a shared vision and then working together to achieve it. It's about empowering others to reach their full potential. Leadership is not about power, authority, or control. It's about collaboration, trust, and respect. It's about creating a sense of community and belonging.

The definition and perception of leadership need to change. We must move away from the traditional view of leadership as a top-down hierarchy and embrace a more collaborative and inclusive approach. We need leaders willing to listen to others, learn from their mistakes, and share power. We need leaders passionate about their vision and ready to inspire others to join them in making a difference.

Influential leaders don't tell people what to do. Instead, they take them where they need to be to succeed. They don't need to create a harem of followers or disciples because they know that their success depends on the team's success. True leaders understand that one person cannot win a war, election, or football game. It takes a team effort. Each person has an important role to play. The same principle applies to businesses, schools, and districts.

Leadership is not about position. It's about action. Great leaders are not afraid to get their hands dirty. They are willing to roll up their sleeves and work alongside their team members. They are also willing to take risks and make mistakes. Leadership is about creating a better future for everyone. It's about making a difference in the world. Great leaders are not afraid to dream big. They are also fearless in putting in the hard work necessary to make their dreams a reality.

In Learning Transformed, Tom Murray and I developed an acronym that speaks to the essence of being a leader. The best leaders do the following consistently:

Learn 

Empower

Adapt 

Delegate

Engage

Reflect

Serve

Learn

Effective leaders understand that learning is an ongoing process. They know there is no such thing as perfection and can constantly improve their skills and knowledge to develop vital competencies. They make time to learn new things daily and share their learning with others. Leaders who love their work are always learning. They are curious about the world around them and always look for ways to improve their skills and knowledge. They are also willing to take risks and try new things.

Empower

Empowering others is a key element of effective leadership. It involves giving people the freedom to take risks, promoting a mantra of failing forward and granting them autonomy to innovate. When people feel empowered, they are more likely to find greater value in their work. This leads to respect and trust, which builds powerful relationships where everyone is focused on achieving shared goals. Here are some specific ways that leaders can empower others:

• Promote consensus. Give people the opportunity to influence decisions and take ownership of their work.
• Provide feedback. Let people know how they are doing and offer suggestions for improvement.
• Celebrate successes. When people do a good job, make sure to recognize their efforts.
• Create a safe environment. Make sure that people feel comfortable taking risks and making mistakes.

Empowering others can be challenging. It requires leaders to be willing to let go of some control and trust that their team members will often do the right thing. The benefits of empowerment are worth the effort. When people feel empowered, they are more likely to be engaged, productive, and creative. This can lead to significant improvements in the performance of any district, organization, or school.

Adapt

The world is constantly changing, and leaders must be proactive instead of reactive when it comes to these changes to succeed. This means being flexible and open to change, as well as being able to adapt to different situations, challenges, and pressures. Consider the following:

• Be willing to change your plans. Things don't always go according to plan, so it's essential to be ready to pivot or shift as needed.
• Be open to new ideas. Feel free to try new things, listen to different perspectives, and move beyond your comfort zone.
• Be able to think outside the box. Sometimes the best way to solve a problem is to look at things through a different lens.
• Be able to learn from your mistakes. Everyone makes mistakes, but it is important to learn from them and avoid making the same mistake twice.

Adaptable leaders are more likely to be successful in the long run as they are more in tune with the ever-changing needs of their organizations. They are also more likely to be able to solve problems and overcome challenges. Adaptability is a crucial competency for leaders in today's world. Leaders who can adapt will be more likely to lead their organizations to success.

Delegate

Delegating tasks and responsibilities is not a sign of weakness. This is a common misconception. Some people think that delegating tasks means the leader is incapable of doing them themselves. It is actually a sign of strength as it shows that the leader is confident in their ability to lead others while freeing up the leader's time so that they can focus on the most critical tasks. This could include strategic planning, getting in classrooms, providing feedback, or building relationships with key stakeholders. When leaders delegate tasks, they are allowing others to develop their leadership competencies, and this, in turn, builds capacity.

Engage

Information is king in the sharing economy, which is our current reality. Leaders who understand this fact develop strategies to authentically engage their stakeholders through multi-dimensional communications, public relations, and brand building. They meet stakeholders where they are, encourage two-way communication, and become the storyteller-in-chief. 

Reflect

Great leaders always reflect on their work, which is essential for learning and growth. When leaders reflect on their work, they can identify what they did well, what they could have done better, and what they need to learn in the future. In the digital age, there are many ways to reflect, and doing so can lead to greater transparency. However, what matters most is that leaders make a consistent effort to reflect on their actions and decisions.

Serve 

Servant leaders put the needs of others first. They are not focused on their own personal goals or objectives but rather on the success of their staff or team. Those who put serving above all else are not motivated by power or prestige but rather by a desire to help others and make a difference in the world. This type of leadership style can create a more collaborative and supportive environment where employees feel valued and heard.

Leading change in any organization is a difficult task. Be true to yourself and others. When you fail (and you will), showcasing your vulnerable side will only help to strengthen the bonds with those you work with. Being human is more important than being right all the time. You will never have all the answers or solutions needed to move significant change efforts forward. Look to others for answers to questions and help you achieve your change goals. Continue to improve in ways that push you outside your comfort zone. With authenticity on your side, finding success will be much easier.