5 Bold Leadership Principles

Leading into the future...

Are you stuck in a rigid world of hierarchies, controls and formalities, working in an organisation that is functionally designed and hasn’t really shifted in its thinking, structure or leadership style for ever.

?Well, it's time to challenge those ways of working and explore a more open and innovative leadership approach. If you really want to make a difference to the environment and culture you are experiencing and contributing to, ensuring you leave your role team and organisation in a better place than when you found it, here are five leadership principles that might just redefine your perspective on a different way to lead, influence and develop leaders of the future, ultimately positively impacting the leadership traits that are values that will ensure you and your organisation is fit for the future.

I believe these five principles enable challenge, innovation, excitement and an environment where people thrive, they are what I use everyday to ensure that I thrive, and I can bring my best self. Don’t get me wrong, using these principles in places where they challenge the status quo, disrupt traditional and safe thinking can be tough, however the rewards and the impact are significant, let’s start with:

1. Be Curious

Curiosity is the spark that ignites innovation and fuels progress. A curious leader is perpetually inquisitive, driven by an insatiable desire to understand the world around them. They don't settle for surface-level knowledge; they delve deep, asking questions like "Why?" and "What if?" Curiosity isn't merely an intellectual pursuit; it's a mindset that constantly seeks to uncover new possibilities.

This principle goes beyond personal growth; it's about fostering a culture of continuous improvement within the organisation. A leader who embodies curiosity encourages their team to explore uncharted territories, experiment with fresh ideas, and embrace change. They understand that complacency is the enemy of growth, and they recognise that the business landscape is in a constant state of flux. By nurturing curiosity, leaders inspire their teams to adapt, evolve, and remain open to innovative ways of thinking.

2. Be Brave

Leadership demands courage and being brave means having the fortitude to take calculated risks and confront challenges head-on. It's about stepping beyond the confines of your comfort zone and embracing uncertainty with open arms. Brave leaders understand that innovation often involves venturing into the unknown, where the possibility of failure looms.

Bravery in leadership isn't synonymous with recklessness; it's about making well-informed decisions and exhibiting resilience in the face of setbacks. A leader who embodies bravery sets an example for their team by demonstrating unwavering commitment to their goals. They create an environment where calculated risks are not just accepted but encouraged, and where failures are seen as valuable opportunities for growth and learning. Using data and research is key foundation of being brave, search far and wide for insights and seek out like minded people to test out you theory’s and thoughts and prepared to leave things behind even if they are your idea, be clear on what problem you are solving before jumping in.

3. Be Yourself

Authenticity is a magnetic quality in leadership. Being yourself means embracing your unique personality, values, and experiences. It's about refusing to conform to a predetermined leadership mould and instead, showing your true self to your team.

Authentic leaders build trust because they are genuine and relatable. When you're authentic, your team can connect with you on a personal level, fostering open communication and mutual respect. This principle encourages leaders to lead with integrity, aligning their actions with their beliefs and values.

?In essence, it's about leading by example and creating an environment where others feel comfortable expressing their true selves, providing physiological safety. Authentic leaders don't hide their vulnerabilities; they use them as sources of strength, demonstrating that it's okay to be imperfect and that authenticity is a powerful catalyst for building strong, genuine relationships within the organisation.

4. Be Kind

Kindness is a cornerstone of effective leadership, yet it's often underestimated. A kind leader displays empathy, actively listens to team members, and genuinely cares about their well-being.

Kindness isn't a sign of weakness; it's a sign of strength. It creates a positive and supportive work environment where team members feel valued, appreciated, and motivated to give their best. Leaders who prioritise kindness foster trust, loyalty, and a profound sense of belonging among their teams. Kindness is about recognising and celebrating the unique qualities and contributions of each team member. It's about offering support, encouragement, and recognition when it's deserved. When a leader embodies kindness, it ripples through the organisation, promoting a culture of compassion, teamwork, and shared success.

5. Try Stuff

Innovation thrives when leaders are willing to break free from routines and encourage experimentation. Trying stuff means wholeheartedly embracing change, pushing boundaries, and being open to taking risks. It's about encouraging your team to step into the realm of the unknown and explore new ideas fearlessly.

Failure, in this context, should be seen as a stepping stone to success, not as an insurmountable roadblock. Leaders who promote a culture of experimentation empower their teams to adapt to evolving customer needs and stay ahead of the competition. They recognise that clinging to the safety of the familiar can lead to stagnation, while embracing change and experimentation can lead to breakthroughs.

?Trying stuff is not about blindly pursuing every fleeting idea. It's about fostering an environment where innovative ideas are welcomed, evaluated, and tested rigorously. When leaders champion this principle, they create a culture of adaptability, resilience, and continuous improvement that propels the organisation forward. There are many ways to do this in a safe way that has a material impact using Agile ways of working based on Human centred design principles – solving a problem, insights, data, idea generation, prototype (a lot) and then test and learn.

?In conclusion, these five principles challenge conventional leadership thinking. They encourage leaders to be inquisitive, courageous, authentic, kind, and unafraid to experiment. In doing so, you'll not only be a better leader but also empower your team and organisation to thrive in an ever-changing world. So, take a leap of faith, break free from the norm, and embark on a leadership journey that's truly transformative. Your customers, your team and your leaders—will thank you for it.