There are no leaders, only leadership

Hi there ????. Ready to lead? "Acts of Leadership" helps people, (irrespective of title or tenure), expand their leadership range one experiment at a time. Each issue shares a [pro/e]vocative definition of leadership, an idea and an experiment.

Leaders do not have a monopoly on leadership.

The best leaders don't choose leadership positions so they can be leaders. They don’t frame their thinking around title or position. Our best leaders have a deep sense of purpose and connection to a mission. They frame the work and mobilise people and resources to deliver on that.

It’s self-evident, and we need it more than ever today.

We face the most challenging problems we've ever seen.

Solutions aren't discovered and handed down from above by a single individual.

If we are to progress with the existential challenges facing us, then we need for everyone to bring their best thinking each and every day. To give voice to that thinking in loud and crowded spaces. Debate ideas, not people, to co-create from what is possible.

And in this daily work, there is a need for leadership at all levels, regardless of title or tenure.

A Definition…

"Leadership is... the everyday behaviours of people, regardless of title or tenure, that moves groups closer to their goals."

An Idea…

Leadership, not leaders.

Acts of leadership come from all quarters, motivated by a sense of purpose.

Yes, there are BIG acts of leadership; big decisions taken by people in positions of responsibility. But just as important, there are countless small acts of leadership every single day.

And the best leaders create brave spaces and invite participation from everyone.

Small Acts of Leadership

What do small acts of leadership look like? Here’s what you might see if you go looking for it.

In Meetings

???? - Interrupting to keep time/check progress

???? - Advocating/inviting someone else’s voice

???? - Asking the stupid question (spoiler: there are no stupid questions. No, really)

???? - Asking high-quality questions

In Casual Interactions

???? - Taking time to connect at a human level

???? - Asking a busy colleague what they need

In Moments of Busyness

???? - Saying 'no' more (it provides ultimate clarity)

???? - Saying 'yes, if...' and 'yes, when...' more

???? - Asking for help

In Vulnerability

???? - 'naming it' - the elephant in the room, like pointing out an interruption to another and asking to hear the completion of the original voice.

???? - Sharing your intuition, in the moment

???? - Giving acknowledgements to another person

In Moments of Challenge

???? - Asking of others, "By taking this work on, what are you dropping?"

???? - Offering your best thinking, without attachment to being "right"

In Moments of Ownership

???? - Accepting and owning your mistakes

???? - Admitting when you don't know

???? - Leaning into, instead of avoiding, a challenging conversation

???? - Using inquiry to help surface the others' thinking/mental models

An Experiment…

?? - For the next 7 days write down every small act of leadership you experience from others. Note down what the person did, the impact on you, and the impact you noticed on others

?? - Email your team about the 3 most impactful small acts of leadership you experienced and acknowledge those who performed them.

?? - Over the next 30 days compile your list of observed small acts of leadership and then share it. Have a conversation with your team to discuss the list.

An invitation to explore:

?? Book: The Fearless Organization (Creating Psychological Safety in the Workplace for Learning, Innovation and Growth). [Amy C. Edmondson]

?? TED: Everyday Leadership : Drew Dudley [6:01]

Leadership needn't be lonely!

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