Be an “everyday” leader

What makes a leader? I’m often asked this question and find myself reflecting on it almost weekly. One of the inspirations I look to when considering this mystery is the work of Simon Sinek and the idea of leadership outside of business. Outside of a titled role. His book, Leaders Eat Last, speaks to the small everyday actions people take that transform them into leaders. In his book, Sinek says, “Leadership is not a license to do less; it is a responsibility to do more. And that’s the trouble. Leadership takes work. It takes time and energy. The effects are not always easily measured and they are not always immediate. Leadership is always a commitment to human beings.”

Leadership is a commitment to human beings. Leadership is a responsibility to do more. Who asks for the commitment? Who sets the responsibility? Why you, of course. Leadership is about setting a commitment yourself, without anyone asking, to do more and commit to others.

Leadership is about the little actions, not the monumental decisions?

The leaders who have created the greatest impact on my life were unlikely to recognize the small actions they took that left an enormous impact. Pausing to listen with not just your attention, but your whole body. Asking deeper questions and not rushing the thinking of the person across from you. Offering a sincere acknowledgement. Checking in without a reason. Creating belonging and inclusion for all. These leaders give themselves, their attention, and their time in service of others. Consistent and genuine small acts of service were what drew me to support and follow these leaders.

Living ethical leadership in each meeting, decision and interaction?

At a lecture given by Andy Fastow, former CFO for Enron, to university students on ethics, he said something that stuck with me. You might be wondering why Andy Fastow is invited to talk about ethics, and he repeats over and over that he broke the law, but even more so helps people see that they too in small moments can convince themselves that because they are following the rules, they must be making ethical choices. It took him a few years to truly accept what he had done, and it was a Rabbi who visited with him frequently in jail whose words clicked the light on. The Rabbi said, “Just because you have the right to do something does not mean it is the right thing to do.” He technically followed the rules, but broke them in spirit.

Everyday leaders continually check in with their moral compass about the right thing to do, not just to follow the rules and use them as an excuse for putting profits before people. They check in with their moral compass in each meeting, decision and interaction and reflect on their commitment of service to others.

Core values drive your actions

Even with ethical leadership, there are often no right decisions or next steps. There may be many paths forward, all leading to different yet unknown outcomes. Everyday leaders know their core values and refer to them to continually guide their actions. Get to know your core values and explore them beyond words on a paper. Know them intimately and use them to guide you to keep sight of what you value when you feel pulled in multiple directions. Take a look around; where do you see these values in the actions of people around you? Is this what you want??

Everyday leadership is a commitment to do more and be more in service of others in small moments. It’s never waiting for someone else to step up and lead, it’s taking the initiative to be of service. It’s this type of conscious leadership that will generate something greater than career and financial success -- a deep sense of compassion and fulfillment.??

This post was originally published on the Incito website.?Click here?to read more.