Leadership - Thrive not Survive

Why can’t I stop talking about Leadership?

Because it’s Time to Thrive, not just Survive at Work.

In an era defined by groundbreaking technological advancements, it's paradoxical how our work lives seem anchored to a bygone era. This disconnect fosters a workplace environment rife with anxiety, overwhelm and a troubling trend of mere presenteeism rather than vibrant engagement and performance.

Despite clear evidence pointing to widespread organisational underperformance and stagnant employee disengagement levels, our workplaces are filled with individuals bearing the title of 'leader.’? This title, often bestowed by HR as part of a structure they’ve designed, comes without the necessary training and development for the nuanced responsibilities of human performance and coaching team members to be their best. This incomplete approach to leadership fails to grasp its essence, leaving us in dire need of a fundamental re-evaluation and recalibration of what true leadership entails.

Redefining Leadership: More Than a Title.

What exactly is leadership? Definitions are as varied as stars in the sky, yet it’s clear what leadership is decidedly not. ?It's not a position on an org chart, nor is it an innate title one is born into. Leadership is an act, an earned status recognised by those who choose to follow you. It's accessible to anyone willing to step into leadership, not just those in executive suites or with lofty titles. Leadership should be viewed as a practice.? A skill set that can be unpacked, learned and improved upon.? This perspective demands a willingness to embark on a journey of self-discovery, to confront the person in the mirror and to commit to personal growth that aligns with the essence of leadership.

Leadership Defined.

Brené Brown defines a leader as "Anyone who holds themselves accountable for finding the potential in people and processes and has the courage to develop that potential." This resonates because it emphasises 'anyone' signifying that leadership is not reserved for a select few but is a call to action for those who are ready to take on the responsibility.

Imagine every member of an organisation coming to work each day and giving their absolute best in an environment that supports their optimal experience. This vision counters the current state of mere survival.? It is precisely why we need leadership that challenges the status quo and places human performance as the cornerstone of sustainable success.

A Call for Courage

Courage is pivotal in our understanding of leadership. It's the fuel required to transcend the status quo and the "this is how we've always done it" mentality that stifles meaningful and impactful change. Without the courage to evolve, organisations are at risk of stagnation and ultimately obsolescence.

So, what exactly is this status quo we're challenging? It's a deeply ingrained belief that profit stems solely from technical excellence, with human performance as a natural byproduct.? This is a big misconception.? Profitability is undeniably crucial; it ensures a business's sustainability, allowing it to deliver value and keep people gainfully employed. However, the myopic focus on profit, as dictated by traditional MBA curricula and what everyone else is doing, is a perilous path. Albert Einstein's adage, "Doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results is insanity," encapsulates the futility of adhering to outdated approaches without questioning their efficacy.

Our organisations are underperforming, trapped in a cycle of busyness, meetings and presenteeism, desperately clinging to familiar yet ineffective practices. This inertia is often compounded by well-meaning HR teams and the often misguided direction of large consulting firms.? A recent survey of executives revealed that 45% feared their businesses might not survive the next decade without significant reinvention. Yet, the approach to change remains tethered to outdated models, begging the question: why aren't organisations improving despite the considerable investments in initiatives?

Many organisations operate in a paradox, pressing hard on the accelerator with endless activity while simultaneously breaking hard, hindered by a lack of courage to experiment and innovate. This dichotomy is evident at the leadership level, where CEOs, ensnared by 'golden handcuffs,' grapple with the challenges of modern business but may lack the courage to acknowledge or address systemic issues head-on.

The essence of courage in leadership is about recognising the need for a profound shift in how we value and nurture human performance alongside financial success. It's about admitting vulnerabilities, questioning long-held beliefs and daring to reimagine the future of work.

Developing Leadership Potential

Embarking on the path to 'develop that potential,' invites introspection and commitment to growth for all individuals in the organisation who wish to pursue leadership.? For senior managers, this evolution starts with a moment of candid self-reflection.? A metaphorical look in the mirror. It's about confronting the reality of one's leadership and acknowledging flaws, strengths and untapped potential. This process of self-discovery and inner work is essential for personal growth and serves as a cornerstone for leadership. It’s a testament to the belief that before we can lead others effectively, we must first lead ourselves.

But the journey doesn’t stop with those at the helm. True leadership development democratises the opportunity for growth, extending the invitation to every individual within the organisation. It's about creating a culture where each person is supported and encouraged to explore and enhance their leadership capabilities. This inclusive approach not only nurtures potential but also fosters a sense of collective responsibility towards the organisation's vision and goals.

What does it truly mean to develop potential? To answer this, we lean on the shoulders of giants - researchers dedicated to unlocking the secrets of human potential. Their work, evolving and expanding, sheds light on the practices that elevate human performance and optimal experience. ?At the Flow Centre? we've distilled these insights into our Flow Leadership Principles, a framework designed to bring out the best in people. These principles are not just theoretical concepts; they are practical, actionable and instrumental in transforming leadership.

The impact of adopting these principles is profound. Organisations that have embraced this journey, where people embody the principles of continuous development and courage, stand as beacons of what the future of work can and should be.

Leadership as Action

Leadership is a verb, an ongoing process of learning, doing and evolving.? The Flow Centre’s upcoming online event, hosted by Dr Cameron Norsworthy and myself, will explore the Flow Leadership Principles in-depth, offering insights into becoming a leader who can truly unlock human potential.

Join us as we redefine leadership for a future where every individual can thrive. Register now and embark on your journey to becoming a leader who makes a difference.