Today is #EarthDay2022, a day when we are reminded about the realities that our planet and our population face. The pandemic, the extreme weather events, the displacement of millions in our world's population, are all serving to bring home to us just how connected we all are and just how much we rely on the one planet we share.
Welcome to leadership in 2022 and to 'The 3 Ps'. This is about natural leadership. The ability of a leader to work across their personal leadership, their professional position and our planetary requirements. Why? Because successful leadership has been redefined as the continuation of our natural planet. One leading ESG adviser said to us recently,
Never has this been more evident. We need leaders who are able to link their personal leadership directly to global responsibilities. And we need them quickly.
So, what does it take to be someone who can lead and deliver sustainable change? Here at the natural leader, we believe that there are five qualities.
- A deep sense of personal purpose. The natural leader knows what they stand for. They understand their personal values and have a developed sense of self which means they can author a compelling, personal narrative. This internal and personal coaching work allows them to maintain an authentic presence, among all their audiences. It allows them to maintain their natural and highly resilient state; emotionally open, intellectually calm and physically at ease. Vitally, it allows others to experience them as genuine.
- Exceptional human connection and communication. The natural leader focuses on building and holding strong and positive relationships. To them, relationship is recognised, not as a space the exists 'between' parties but as a 'third space' that is co-created. They move their focus from themselves on to those they seek to engage. Their focus shifts from what they 'do' to how they choose to 'be'. Here, they build rapport quickly, develop relationships and take personal responsibility for maintaining them. With the confidence and skill to do so, they are comfortable in evolving both harmonious and conflicting relationships.
- Align many audiences around one vision. The natural leader influences by expanding their personal communication range and is able to play across their full register of styles. They modify their scripts, their body language, their narrative, their intention and their breath to achieve the impact they wish to have on that particular audience. Whether they speak to 5 or 500 people, their personal communication style will be adapted while they remain authentic and connected. They tell the right story, to the right people, in the right way, through the right channel and, in doing so, they align many audiences around one vision.
- Hear all the voices in the system. Real change is built on the solid foundations of actively hearing all the voices in the system. The natural leader knows how to actively and positively work across, often complex, organisational and relationship systems. They are inclusive and democratic, knowing that lasting change comes from the strength in diversity and by including all the voices in a system.
- Serve a bigger purpose. The natural leader is generous and generative. They let go of 'ego', replacing it with the strength in personal vulnerability that is needed to serve a purpose bigger than themselves. They create a vision for the system they work within and take personal accountability for delivering it, often within an ever-changing environment. With a horizon that is long term, a commitment to a larger cause and the personal ability to inspire, the are committed purely to delivering lasting and sustainable change.
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