From Travel Debacle to Leadership Triumph: A Tale of Empowerment

I start with the quote from Lao Tzu, the ancient Chinese philosopher and writer. The quote is as follows:

"A leader is best when people barely know he exists, when his work is done, his aim fulfilled, they will say: we did it ourselves."

This quote beautifully captures the essence of effective leadership. It's about empowering and guiding your team in a way that they become self-sufficient and capable of accomplishing tasks without constant supervision. When leaders foster independence, collaboration, and skill development, they pave the way for success.

Recently, I had a firsthand experience that perfectly exemplified this idea. As luck would have it, I found myself caught up in a travel debacle that wreaked havoc in the northeast. But amidst the chaos, something incredible happened - my team continued to carry on without skipping a beat. Whether they were in the office, attending the conference, or working remotely, they pressed forward, undeterred. It was a proud moment that reaffirmed my leadership approach and proved that I was on the right track.

However, there was one particular incident that truly stood out and deserves the spotlight. I had a presentation scheduled for a 45-minute breakout session at the conference. Since I was not co-facilitating, I had worked on it alone. But as it became clear that I wouldn't make it to the conference in time, I immediately called upon my Senior Commercial Strategist for help. Without any preparation, having never seen the slides before that moment, she fearlessly stepped up and agreed to present on my behalf. And guess what? She absolutely nailed it!

That moment served as a powerful confirmation that I practice what I preach. I firmly believe that my strength lies in my team, and I deliberately choose individuals who are stronger than me in their respective disciplines. As their leader, my role is to remove obstacles and provide them with the resources they need to thrive. The proof of this philosophy was standing on that stage, delivering a presentation she had agreed to do just hours beforehand.

The gift of having success is to then pass it on, so here is my gift to you. Hone your leadership skills, practice makes perfect. I am imperfect however I preservere and pass it on. Here are my SIX SECRETS TO LEADERSHIP:

1. Trust and empower: Place trust in your team and empower them to take ownership of their tasks. When people feel trusted and valued, they are more likely to rise to the occasion and excel. What would you do if you knew you could not fail? What risks would you take? Take the risk off the table to allow your team to fly.
2. Foster collaboration: Encourage collaboration among team members. Create an environment where they feel comfortable sharing ideas, supporting one another, and working together towards common goals. This is what Commercial Strategy is all about!
3. Develop skills: Invest in the growth and development of your team. Provide opportunities for training, mentorship, and professional advancement. By nurturing their skills, you not only benefit individuals but also elevate the collective expertise of the team. TearThePaperCeiling.org says that "Skills Through Alternative Routes aka STARs" are the key to success in our new evolving technology environment.
4. Lead by example: Be the role model you want your team to follow. Demonstrate integrity, accountability, and a strong work ethic. Your actions speak louder than words. You have nothing if you do not have integrity; doing what you say you are going to do is EVERYTHING.
5. Provide support: Be proactive in identifying and removing obstacles that hinder your team's progress. Offer support, guidance, and resources to help them overcome challenges. Your willingness to assist will foster a sense of trust and create a collaborative atmosphere.
6. Celebrate achievements: Recognize and appreciate your team's accomplishments. Whether it's a simple thank you or a public acknowledgment, celebrating achievements boosts morale and motivates your team to continue performing at their best.

By incorporating these approachable leadership tips into your everyday practices, you can create a thriving team that is capable of accomplishing remarkable feats. Remember, effective leadership is not about micromanaging but about empowering others to shine. Together, let's inspire greatness and unleash the full potential of our teams.

Obssessed so you don't have to - Lori Kiel