Leaders as Teachers

The Path to True Success

In my journey, I've come to realize that true success and achievement are rooted in a continuous learning process. For me, this means regularly finding myself in rooms where I am often the least knowledgeable person. This environment pushes me to learn and grow through every interaction.

The Hunger for Knowledge

This insatiable drive to learn stems from a deep-seated hunger for knowledge. I actively seek out individuals who act as multipliers, helping to broaden my vision and expand my horizons. When I reflect on these individuals, I see them as leaders—people who inspire me to improve in all aspects of my life. They set benchmarks, provide molds to aspire to, and offer visions of the future that I can strive towards. Through my interactions with these leaders, I've discovered that great leaders are, at their core, great teachers.

The Nature of Learning

I firmly believe that all learning is, ultimately, self-learning. True learning occurs when we make a conscious, internal decision to embrace new knowledge. It's a personal conversation, a self-motivated endeavor. However, over the years, I've recognized that another critical ingredient in this process is inspiration. Leaders and teachers provide this inspiration, igniting the internal dialogue that propels us forward.

The Role of Inspiration in Teams

In my various roles leading teams, I've observed a common thread: when a team isn't functioning well, the missing element is often inspiration. Everyone wants to excel in their job. People feel happier, more excited, and more in control when they understand their roles and tasks. They improve when they are inspired to learn, when their work is clearly explained, and when they receive proper guidance. In essence, they thrive when they have a good teacher at work—a good leader.

The Cycle of Learning and Retention

When team members are inspired and motivated, they learn quickly and are more likely to stay longer. This creates a self-sustaining cycle of improvement and retention. Unfortunately, some leaders resort to controlling behaviors, using stick-and-carrot approaches or even manipulation. While these methods might yield short-term results, they inevitably lead to team exhaustion and burnout.

The Journey of Leadership

Leadership is a journey with the ultimate goal of cultivating high-performing, winning teams. But what matters more, the journey or the destination? I believe it's the transformation we undergo along the way. To become a leader, one must first become an excellent teacher. Inspire your team to excel, and you will find yourself at the helm of a successful, motivated, and high-performing team.

In conclusion, leadership is not just about achieving targets or hitting milestones. It's about the continuous pursuit of learning, the ability to teach and inspire, and the commitment to guide your team towards excellence. Embrace the journey, focus on becoming a source of inspiration, and you will naturally lead a winning team.