Leadership Means Leading Out

"A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way." ~ John Maxwell

How does a leader actually lead??

Well, it's not sitting in the shadows or barking orders from the side while others do the work.

Leaders must be in front, not behind telling others what to do. This means taking responsibility for growing your team and for the results you can collectively deliver.?

It also means leading and setting an example in how you act and behave with others.

Let's jump in and learn more!

What it Means to Lead Out

"Daring leaders say the unsaid, unsurface what's been pushed down, and bring to light the stuff that's in the shadows and in the corners." ~ Brené Brown

Leadership is hard. When you get into leadership you should be doing it because of the impact you can make, not because of the increased pay and perks that might come along with it.

Plenty of people become managers because they like the power of telling others what to do. But this is not leadership.

Leaders do what needs to be done and lead out, even and especially when it is hard and uncomfortable.

Here are a few ways leaders can lead out:

1. Believe in yourself first - if you as a leader don't believe in your ability to accomplish the tasks in front of you (and grow into that ability), then you are unlikely to inspire confidence in others to follow
2. Extend trust - as a leader, we are often trying to earn trust. But one of the best ways to earn trust is to give it. Leaders should be giving trust first!
3. Be willing to take on the challenge - great leaders know that there are challenges included in almost everything worthwhile. Don't run from the challenge, embrace it and step into the challenge with energy.
4. Leaders do the right thing - when you are clear on the values you set as a team and organization, the right choices become clearer. That doesn't mean they are easy to do. Often we are faced with dilemmas that mean taking a hit in revenue, profit, or another metric important to us. Do the right thing for the long term, not for short-term recognition and results.?

Create the Vision

"Great leaders must have two things: a vision of the world that does not yet exist and the ability to communicate that vision clearly" ~ Simon Sinek

How do you create an environment and culture that truly inspires those around you?

Become an inspiring leader who focuses on casting a purpose and vision for the organization that motivates others rather than creating and reaching towards transactional goals.

Look at your goals for you and your team right now. Are they inspiring? Do you know how you and your team truly impact customers and stakeholders?

If not, consider how you can reach for and clarify a higher purpose for your work. Connect that purpose and vision at every level of the organization, division, team, and even down to the individual.?

When people see that their work has meaning, they feel more inspired and motivated to do their best, because they can see and understand that they are part of a process of delivering value and changing the world as part of the larger vision.

Create the vision, communicate that vision, and let others help you make it a reality.

Set an Example Worth Following

"Become the kind of leader that people would follow voluntarily, even if you had no title or position" ~ Brian Tracy

Great leaders lead out with vulnerability and courage. They allow themselves to be seen. They admit mistakes. They are the kind of people that others love, respect, and admire.

They must lead out in this because if they don't, how can they expect others to act appropriately?

Think about this from an organizational culture perspective. I can't tell you how many times I've heard people get disgruntled with their companies because their leaders were acting in ways that were contrary to the stated values and culture of the company.

Culture is more about who you are than what you say you are.?

So be that person. Be that leader, don't just talk about it and tell everyone to be it.

If you aren't authentic and acting from strong values, people will notice, and morale will drop in a big way.

A Caution

I can see how the "leading out" concept could be taken the wrong way.

Some managers might use the idea to take all the credit for things that go right so they can further advance their own agenda.

That's not what I'm talking about here. Don't take it that way!

To lead out is to do the unselfish work of a leader. Leadership is ultimately about serving others, not advancing yourself.

Take Ambitious Action

If you are currently a leader or aspire to be one, identify just one way that you can more fully lead out in the things that are important to you.

Want people to be more collaborative? Start by doing that first.

Want others to trust each other? Extend trust to them.

Want increased accountability? Ask other to hold you accountable.

Wish people listened to you? Start by listening to them intently.

Whatever it is that you wish could change, find a way to lead out and start the change yourself.

Accelerate Your Career

If you're ready to accelerate your career and leadership further and want some help doing it, here are a few ways I can help when you're ready:

1. Watch a FREE Engineering Career Masterclass - the 4 Keys to Intentional Engineering Career Transitions
2. Enroll in the Engineering Career Accelerator - the exact system that dozens of engineers have used to go from confused to thriving in their careers.
3. Schedule a free call with me to talk about getting personalized 1:1 and group support on your goals.