Leadership, more than just ‘telling people what to do’

I saw this image on pm.leadership on Instagram and it got me thinking about another great article on what leadership really means by Otti Vogt on Medium: “The leader who points the finger is not a hero, because you’re not looking at him or her, and neither at their finger, you’re not trying to be like them or follow to where they point. They’re pointing to something that for you, and just you, might be meaningful.

Something that causes a question, rather than provide an answer. Something that just for you might create a summoning to step deeper into the world, to rethink who you are and why, to reposition yourself. That’s far away from that heroic knight charging into battle. Rather, it is a caring jester, a pattern breaker, a teacher, an “ironist” who cares deeply about your growth and knows that sometimes what irritates you, will tell you most about ourselves. That sometimes they must point a finger, to get you thinking about how that finger is not what it seems to be…”

Effective leadership is based upon ideas—both original and borrowed—that are effectively communicated to others in a way that engages them enough to act, creating a shared vision and inspiring others to work towards it collectively. It’s about building a sense of community and collaboration where every team member feels empowered to contribute their best.

A useful reminder!

Andy.

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