Leading Across: The Leadership Loop

As we know from the last edition of the newsletter, Leading Down involves the principle – “Follow me, I will add value to you.” However, leading across postulates – “Follow me, I will walk with you.”

To graduate to the next level of leadership, leaders must be able to lead other leaders, not just those below them, but also those above and alongside them.

To lead peer-to-peer, you must give your colleagues reasons to respect and follow you. And it can be done by helping them win. This will not only help your organization but also yourself. Remember, leading is not a one-time event, it is an ongoing process that takes time, especially with peers.

Great Leaders do not use people so that they can win. They lead people so that they can win together! - John Maxwell

John Maxwell recommended seven principles that help in leading across. And, the first principle talks about the ‘Leadership Loop’ which starts with ‘caring’ and ends with ‘succeeding’. If one wants to gain influence and credibility with people working alongside, he or she needs to understand, practice, and complete this loop with them.

Let us look at each element of the leadership loop:

1. Caring – Take Interest in People ??

Genuine care forms the foundation of impactful leadership. Look for value in every person and find reasons to like them. When we authentically care for those we lead, we create an environment of trust, empathy, and support.

2. Learning – Get to Know People ??

Take time to talk to your peer group. Try to discover their best skills. Ask for their opinions. This will help improve the existing camaraderie and make people feel valued.

3. Appreciating – Respect People ??

Recognizing and appreciating the contributions of others fosters a culture of gratitude and motivation. A simple 'thank you' can go a long way in nurturing a high-performing team. If you respect your peers, they will be more likely to respect and listen to you.

4. Contributing – Add Value to People ??

True leaders understand that leadership is about service. By contributing to the success and well-being of others, we elevate the entire team and create a ripple effect of positivity. ‘Few things increase the credibility of leaders more than adding value to the people around them.’

5. Verbalizing – Affirm People ???

Few things build a person up like affirmation. Become your peers’ best cheerleader and praise their strengths. Acknowledge their accomplishments and say positive things about them to your boss and others.

6. Leading – Influence People ??

If you have sincerely followed the first five steps, you are now ready to lead your peers. These activities help you build relationships with them, and, display that your motives are good. And this helps you in earning the opportunity to influence them.

7. Succeeding – Win with People ??

Ultimately, leadership is measured not by personal achievements but by the success and growth of those we lead. True success lies in lifting others and celebrating their victories as our own. Great leaders don’t use people so that they can win. They lead people so that they all can win together.

To succeed with peers, you always start with caring and end with succeeding. You can’t take shortcuts.

As we embrace each element of the Leadership Loop, let's remember that leadership is not a destination but a journey of continuous growth and impact.

We will cover the remaining six principles of ‘Leading Across’ in a subsequent newsletter.

Warm regards,

Gopal Sharma