Leadership Today

What is leadership? According to Google, “leadership is the action of leading a group of people or an organization; a person who guides or directs a group.” Business News Daily wrote an entire article titled, “30 Ways to Define Leadership” with perspectives from 30 different business owners and experts. I really love and connect with Founder & President of Heasley & Partners Kathy Heasley’s quote: “Leadership is being bold enough to have vision and humble enough to recognize achieving it will take the efforts of many people — people who are most fulfilled when they share their gifts and talents, rather than just work. Leaders create that culture, serve that greater good and let others soar.”

“Bold enough … and humble enough …” – two distinctly different words that people rarely thread together or exhibit simultaneously. How I love the sound of them and the vision of them – together in a leader.

In 2014, I participated in an Executive Coaching program*. Part of the program included a 360 assessment by my peers and managers. Talk about brutal to the ego! But so worth it – because it opened my eyes to new ways in which others perceive me. My top leadership characteristic according to my 360? Integrity and trust.

It was a very proud moment for me as someone who prides herself on doing the right thing (I know I’m not perfect, but I strive to be a better me every day), speaking up for those who don’t have a voice, providing confidentiality when needed but knowing when to open up if it will harm others or my company’s image, and being that “go-to” person when my peers, friends and family need me most.

But I’ll be honest, I tend to focus on the negative because I’m highly critical of myself so all I could hear were shouts of: “You need to communicate more strategically. Quit focusing on the tactical. You’re likeable, but …” After a few good shakes and slaps (kidding! she is way too nice for that kind of craziness!), my Executive Coach Shannon enlightened me that “integrity and trust can’t be taught. They have to be earned. So, be proud!”

Then, as any coach would do, she challenged me with a call to action – “how are you going to use this leadership trait to influence greatness, action and leadership in others?” (I’m still working on that – every day.)

So, my definition of a leader is someone who uses his or her position of authority or position of trust to inspire and influence others for the greater good of a company’s mission, a charitable cause, a customer’s experience, [insert area/goal you are passionate about].

How do you define leadership?

*If you are looking for an Executive Coach, I worked with Shannon D’Gerolamo, PhD, LPC, from Success Labs in Baton Rouge, LA. She is the most awesome leadership coach I know!! And below are a few awesome ladies I like to consider fellow leaders.