Dear Leaders,
At its core, leadership is about service. It’s about investing in people and helping them reach their full potential. It’s the opportunity to impact the lives of others that makes leadership so powerful and meaningful. Those who understand this see leading and serving as the same. I find great joy and purpose in helping others, which is a key reason I enjoy leadership.
Leaders who understand that the very essence of leadership is rooted in service operate from a place of authenticity. They are genuinely committed to making a difference in the lives of others. When challenges arise, the first thing they think is, How can I help? They enjoy collaborating with others to solve problems. They prioritize the needs of others and focus on how they can support them in being their very best.
Serving others doesn’t mean saying yes to everything or avoiding accountability. It means leading with the intention of helping others succeed, even when that involves challenging conversations or stretching expectations. Leaders who are clear on what it means to serve recognize that a failure to hold others accountable is a disservice to those they lead. When we care personally and professionally, we don’t ignore what should be addressed. We are equally committed to encouraging others and challenging them when needed. Investing in the success of others is a well-balanced blend of support and a push for growth. As you work with others, demonstrate your investment by:
Ask the right questions. Use questioning to prompt thinking and build capacity rather than telling others how to solve problems. Avoid giving others the answers.
Build on the ideas of others. When a team member shares an idea that‘s worthy of exploring further, practice curiosity. Ask for more details and specificity to get to the heart of their thinking.
Promote reflection. Ask those you serve to take time to reflect on the challenge at hand and consider potential solutions. Then, check back in with the individual to hear their thinking and possible solutions.
True leadership is about developing the potential of others while continually refining our own. To help me keep this thought at the center of my leadership, there is a sign that hangs in my office, which reads, “What good shall I do this day?” It is a visual reminder that doing good means doing something for someone else and investing in those I serve.
This week, pause and ask yourself: Who have I served or invested in today? At the end of the day, our greatest legacy as leaders isn’t what we accomplish, but who we’ve helped grow. As you go through your week, focus on serving others and remember to lead with heart, soul, and from the inside out.
Yours in Leadership,
Latoya