Leaders Build Platforms.
Welcome to "Leadership is Not a Title," a space where we explore purposeful, courageous, and intentional leadership. Leadership is about influence, value, and impact, not just titles. If you enjoy my perspectives, please subscribe to our monthly newsletter here: https://drflofalayi.substack.com/
"A true leader's legacy is built on the foundations they create for others to rise. Their greatness is measured by the platforms they build to elevate those around them."
Outstanding leadership transcends the boundaries of typical command and control, venturing into the noble realm of service, impact, and influence. At the heart of impactful leadership lies the profound responsibility of stage-building?—?a meticulous process of crafting platforms that empower others to showcase their talents, gifts, and brilliance. Great leaders understand that the scaffold of their legacy is interwoven by combining personal accolades, accomplishments, goals, and the distinct opportunities created for others to excel.
I fondly remember the leaders who demonstrated this ideal in principle and practice: their desire, capability, and ability to construct platforms that spotlighted the team's talents and efforts rather than themselves, the individual at the helm. It is rare to find these leaders who encapsulate the words of Lao Tzu, "A leader is best when people barely know he exists; when his work is done and his aim fulfilled, they will say: we did it ourselves."
Quintessential Stage Builder
Recently, I spoke with Stella, the co-founder of a growing tech company, who understands the power of platform building as a precursor to nurturing an innovative organizational culture. Stella's initiatives, like her weekly 'Innovation Labs,' monthly AMAs, and 'Team Office Hours,' were more than just meetings; they were avenues of cross-functional collaboration, psychologically safe dialogues, coaching, and mentorship that she modeled and encouraged her leadership teams to adopt.
Stella consistently encourages her leadership and project teams to lean in, volunteer for cross-functional roles, stay curious, share ideas, and learn from one another. By embodying this empowerment mindset, she has created an innovative, highly functioning environment where the team feels valued, heard, and motivated to collaborate and reach their full potential. Her leadership style embodies Ken Blanchard's quote, "The key to successful leadership today is influence, not authority."
The Essence of Empowerment
Operating from an abundance mindset and believing in her team's untapped potential, Stella unlocks these reservoirs of talent. "My role," Stella often says, "is to create inclusive, conducive spaces and platforms where the team can see and fulfill their potential."
The Ripple Effect
The impact of Stella's leadership extends beyond the confines of her organization. Inspired by her example, her team internalizes her ethos of empowerment in their leadership journey, reverberating into the community. Furthermore, Stella's leadership style continues to create a cascading positive effect, elevating and empowering others within and beyond the organization.
Leadership Contrasted
In contrast to Stella's empowering approach, consider Cynthia, whose leadership style focuses on being seen and personal accolades that sometimes overshadow her team's contributions. Compared to Stella, who builds stages for her squad, Cynthia's actions often dismantle these stages, stifling growth and innovation. Unfortunately, Cynthia's leadership style is typical in many organizations and highlights the profound difference between selfless and self-serving leaders.
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Calls to Action
Drawing inspiration from Stella's leadership and learning from Cynthia's experiences, here are three calls to action for aspiring and established leaders alike:
Personal Reflection
In my journey as a leadership psychologist and executive coach, I have witnessed the transformative power of stage-building leadership numerous times. One instance that stands out is the struggles of high performers to function as a cohesive unit. Unleashing the team's creativity starts with leadership that builds a platform of trust and invites authenticity, openness, and a collaborative mindset in a psychologically safe environment where the collective essence of 'all-in' is fully embraced. In many cases, the teams embracing these core beliefs embarked on a transformational journey, leading to unimaginable breakthroughs.
Engagement Question
How have you seen stage-building leadership in action in your career? Please share your experiences and insights with us!
Stay Connected
For more insights on leadership and empowerment, subscribe to the "Leadership is not a title" newsletter and tune into our podcast. Together, let's build platforms that uplift and illuminate the talents around us.
Dr. Flo
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Relationship Manager (B2B,B2C) - Strategist - Cross-Functional Collaborator - FIRST GEN
5 个月“…leaders who encapsulate the words of Lao Tzu, "A leader is best when people barely know he exists; when his work is done and his aim fulfilled, they will say: we did it ourselves." This is a tenet to live by thank you for the reminder Dr. Flo Falayi, PhD, ACC ????
I help organizations accelerate self-care, wellbeing, engagement and growth for moms, parents and caregivers with research, proven rituals and tailored programs.
5 个月Thank you as always for sharing such thoughtful and actionable advice Dr. Flo Falayi, PhD, ACC! And thinking about leadership as a set of behaviors and responsibilities, instead of just a 'title' or remit, is a powerful way for people to usher in change.