Life Leadership Fundamentals
LIFE LEADERSHIP DIGEST – Article by Steve Trivett – 6/08/2019
When we face the “wicked issues” of leadership, only the fundamental aspects of what makes us better human beings can provide us with the best solutions. We have to tap into our innate human wisdom. This involves the ability to reason and explore alternative perspectives, find the energy to be curious and creative and live the values of integrity (trust, accountability, honesty, authenticity, etc.).
In the short video below. Bob Dunham explains how effective and authentic leadership is developed and embedded through daily practice.
Being authentic is the most difficult aspect of leadership. It is the capacity to know what you are called to do and follow where it takes you for the satisfaction it brings. This is not a purpose you have inherited or created it is a deep desire to use your passion to improve the world as you find it. You are taking responsibility for the life you lead. You will never inspire others to follow your lead if you display a heavy heart, negative mood state, or a low level of energy level that constrains your ability to be your best self.
Life Leaders understand the power that comes from trusting yourself and surrounding yourself with people you can rely on. This gives your purpose clarity and direction. When you live your truth you feel light and full of confidence, Being fully present requires an open and relaxed mindset, from which honesty leads you into doing the right thing for mutual benefit. The capacity to act on your promises, with consistency and transparency, means you cannot be accused of hiding your intentions. This builds trust and respect as you come across to others as dependable and accountable for your words and deeds.
We know that in a complex and interconnected world the smallest errors can have large, unpredictable consequences. All the more reason for our choices to be morally and ethically justifiable. This builds relationships based on mutual respect for people’s different opinions and their shared human concerns. Leaders can then protect themselves from decisions that were made in good faith but didn’t work out as expected. Uncertainty is a fundamentally an aspect of leadership in a VUCA World. This is why Life Leadership matters.
The first principle of Life Leadership is to face facts. This means having the courage to accept the demands of reality. The insights of Henry Cloud on integrity suggest that when leaders are of “good character” their ethical values can be trusted. They become the bedrock of effective leadership in situations of great volatility and ambiguity.
Warren Buffet believes that life skills and leadership capacity are intrinsically linked. Conversations between people who care allow them to express and explore concerns. It’s not just the most ethical way to behave, but also increases the value and commitment to the work that gets done, by reducing personal and political barriers. Fundamental to sharing what we care about is a commitment to do the right thing for others by doing what we promised and being accountable when things go wrong. The strength of the relationship becomes a major consideration.
When we are being the best we can be as human beings we can be true to ourselves and behaved accordingly. This is less stressful and will foster self-respect. We are more than just the decisions we make. We need to be heard, valued and believed to perform well and reach our fullest potential. We can then be an inspiration for others to do the same. The role of a Life Leader is to care and lead others into a better way of being themselves.
‘ ’Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.” – in The Lorax by Dr Seuss