Sailing the LeaderSHIP?? ?

Part 1: You Can't Sail Unless You Get On The Ship

We constantly read and hear about prominent figures and their leadership qualities. Often, the focus is on being visionary, strong, and ambitious. While these traits are indeed important, leadership is not simply black and white; it encompasses many gray areas that require understanding and overcoming. Leadership is an experiential journey—you cannot sail the ship unless you get on it. In other words, you cannot become an efficient leader without starting, failing, and learning from those experiences. It is multi-layered and complex.?

Here is how I would describe the whirlpool of a journey and all my learnings of being a leader:

L - Leap: Taking that leap of faith, the very first step, is crucial. You must have the courage to take this initial step.

E - Empathy: If you are not empathetic towards your team, you have failed in one of the most crucial aspects of being a leader.

A - Assertiveness & Accountability: While it is essential to be assertive in your decisions, it is equally important to take accountability for the results. You will never be seen as a reliable leader if you do not hold yourself accountable.

D - Devotion: A true leader is devoted to their team and goals. This dedication is what drives success and fosters loyalty.

E - Enlighten: A leader should enlighten their team by sharing knowledge and insights, guiding them towards growth and development.

R - Rhythm: You need to find a rhythm that works not just for you, but for your entire team, ensuring productivity and harmony.

S - Sacrifice: At times, sacrifices are necessary for the benefit of the team. This could be material sacrifices or putting aside personal ego.

H - Hyphen: Just as a hyphen connects two words, you must act as the main connection between your team and the organization's goals.

I - Intelligence: While intelligence is crucial, it is not enough on its own. Emotional intelligence is also vital, enabling you to manage your emotions and those of others effectively.

P - Purpose: As a leader, you must have a clear purpose. Define what you are working towards and what your goals are, ensuring that your team understands and aligns with this purpose.