When you build a house, you know what to do and how because of the blueprint. It’s an odd thing to say because it’s obvious – you just wouldn’t run in blind. This guide is what tells you how to build your house. What’s more, it shows you the house finished.
But wait, you cry, I’m here because I care about leadership! I’m no architect… or are you?
Recently, a zoom call of leaders from various industries contributed to the characteristics and values they considered to be essential for an ideal leader. Here’s what they came up with:
It’s worth noting that this zoom call hasn’t reinvented the wheel – this list features pretty standard terms. It’s a similar list to those found in core values sessions we do in leadership coaching and brand coaching.
Respect, genuine compassion, and courtesy; these are often the core values of leadership. Followers need to feel valued, cared for, and respected – not out of some soft hand-holding coddled intergenerational babying, but simple human decency. If you want them to perform for you – respect them as individuals with a skillset and work ethic which benefits you as a leader. When they’re going through a tough time or experiencing changes in life, don’t shut the door on them because it’s not work-related; recognise that as individuals, you need to validate the whole human experience. Finally, the fact that courtesy has to go on any list discussing leadership is disappointing – but in our careers, who hasn’t come across someone who thinks that “tough love” and “get on or get gone” are effective leadership styles?
Human assets are humans first.
“Coaching works because it’s all about you. When you connect with what you really want and why – and take action – magical things can happen.”