Every leader is unique.
I say this over and over because we cannot be anyone except who we are. This is validated every time I interview a different leader for my leadership podcast series, Let’s TAWK Leadership.
It’s fascinating.
Of course, there are common threads – the importance of integrity, for example – and the belief that being a manager and being a leader are distinct – but each leader I have spoken with has their own personal definition of leadership.
Michael Martin, for example, who is co-founder of Avenue 8, a residential real estate platform, told me that being a great leader is like being a great chef. You have to select the right ingredients (build a team), know how to follow a recipe (the plan), and know how to improvise when you don’t have all the ingredients. He compared being a financial leader to baking – you have to be very precise. Conversely, being a product strategy or brand leader is like grilling – you can improvise and experiment. And finally, the customer experience is like plating, or presentation – we eat with our eyes first.
Now THAT conversation certainly got me thinking about leadership in a different way.
Senior executive Mike Mansbach made the connection between being a leader and being a husband and father. He talked about the importance of self-reflection – being self-aware and then digging deeper to determine “where does my personal baggage get in the way?” Self-reflection is an active feedback loop that opens the door to continuous learning and growth. And he gave an amusing example of how one of his sons participated in that feedback loop. The ultimate reflection.
Other words of wisdom I’ve gathered about leadership along the way:
- The responsibility of a leader is to drive with purpose.
- As a leader you have to stay curious.
- It’s okay not to be perfect.
- Leaders need to be as accessible as anyone – keep the door open
- Strong leaders give control.
- Communicate the good and the bad so your team will trust you.
- A strong leader needs to be vulnerable and capable of getting out of the way!
- How do you act when no one is looking? That’s integrity.
- Do what you say you are going to do – accountability and achievement.
- A leader must be clear about their communication, set expectations, and lead with their head and their heart.
- A leader needs to be a “whole” person – head and heart.
- IQ and EQ are equally important.
- Lead by example.
- Be true to yourself.
- Do the right thing.
- The “why” is so important for everyone – individuals and organizations.
- Be clear about your purpose.
Listen to more of our Let’s TAWK Leadership insightful conversations with leaders and get inspired to become the leader only YOU can be!
Till next time. Keep it real.
Karen
