Unleashing the Leader Within: Lead from the Bench ??

Imagine standing on the sidelines, watching others take the lead. You're bursting with ideas, energy, and the desire to make a difference. But you're waiting – waiting for that promotion, that title, that perfect moment when someone finally says, "You're a leader now."

Sound familiar?

I've been there. As I progressed through my career, I found myself constantly observing other leaders and absorbing leadership books, trying to learn how to become a leader myself. For years, I thought leadership was a destination – a lofty title awarded upon the chosen few. I kept wondering: How do I get that title? How do I earn that badge? What can I do to be a leader, and what should I do when I finally reach that position?

But what if I told you that we've got it all wrong?

With the current Olympics and the overall excitement around sports, I was powerfully reminded of a realisation I'd had before. Watching not just the gold medal moments, but the unsung heroes – the supportive teammates, the resilient benched players, the coaches working tirelessly behind the scenes – I saw clear evidence of a truth I had learned but sometimes overlooked: leadership isn't about position; it's about action and influence.

This realisation didn't come overnight. It was a journey that began many years ago when I read two books that significantly impacted my understanding of leadership: "The Leader with No Title" by Robin Sharma and "Act Like a Leader, Think Like a Leader" by Herminia Ibarra. These books challenged my preconceptions about leadership and inspired me to start leading from where I was, regardless of my title.

Last week, I picked up "Wolfpack" by Abby Wambach. This book served as an excellent refresher and reminder of the leadership principles I'd learned earlier, while also offering new insights. It renewed my enthusiasm for leadership and reinforced many of the ideas I'd been putting into practice.

Join me as I share the five key insights that I learnt from Wolfpack. These five key insights from "Wolfpack" that resonated deeply with me, not just because of their power and simplicity, but because they perfectly complemented and reinforced the leadership lessons I had learned from Sharma and Ibarra. They represent, to me, the essence of true leadership in any context.

1. Leadership is a Mindset, Not a Title

Key Lesson: Begin leading now, regardless of your current position.

True leadership comes from within and is not dependent on formal authority. By adopting a leadership mindset, you can influence and inspire others from any role.

My Take: I've learned to own it, lead it, and propose solutions, not just identify problems. When working with different people, I can tell who leads by their attitude, especially when there are challenges and problems. True leadership is evident not only when things are going smoothly, but particularly when facing difficulties.

Try This:

• Start each day with the intention to lead by example, regardless of your title.
• When facing a problem, come prepared with potential solutions, not just complaints.
• Look for opportunities to take initiative on projects or tasks, even if they're not in your job description.

2. The Bench is Your Leadership Test

Key Lesson: True leaders demonstrate their qualities even when they're not in the spotlight.

How you behave when you're not the centre of attention reveals your true leadership character. Supporting others and maintaining a positive attitude during these times is crucial.

My Take: As a leader, you don't take credit but let the team shine. It's about supporting them to achieve and shine. Like in sports, the coach is always in the picture, and everyone knows the importance of a great team coach. But the coach's role is to help the team succeed and keep the spotlight on the best players and teams.

Try This:

• Actively support and encourage your colleagues, especially when you're not leading a project.
• Use time on the "bench" to learn, grow, and prepare for future leadership opportunities.
• Celebrate the successes of others as enthusiastically as you would your own.

3. Everyone Can and Should Lead

Key Lesson: You have both the right and the duty to lead.

When everyone in an organisation embraces leadership, it creates a culture of innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement.

My Take: When you're in a project, own it to succeed. Do whatever it takes to succeed. If you see something that needs improvement, you owe it to yourself and others to improve it. If you can't improve it directly, then you owe it to everyone to raise the issue and push for improvement.

Try This:

• Take ownership of your work and its impact on the larger team or organisation.
• Speak up when you see opportunities for improvement, even if it's outside your direct responsibility.
• Encourage and empower others to take leadership roles in their areas of expertise.

4. Offer Your Leadership to the World

Key Lesson: Seek opportunities to make a positive impact daily.

Small acts of leadership can create a ripple effect, inspiring others and fostering a positive environment.

My Take: I offer thank you to people around me. You don't need a title to see and acknowledge someone's hard work. You can step in and up and do it. This simple act of recognition can make a significant difference in the workplace.

Try This:

• Start each day by identifying one opportunity to positively influence your environment.
• Practice active listening in meetings and conversations, acknowledging others' contributions.
• Look for tasks or projects where you can volunteer your skills, even if they're outside your usual responsibilities.

5. Lead from Anywhere

Key Lesson: Don't wait for permission or a title. Start leading now.

Leadership is about influence, not position. By leading from where you are, you can make a significant impact and inspire others to do the same.

My Take: I'm repeating it again because it's crucial: lead where you are. This applies to work, personal life, community, and other places. Own it and lead. Taking initiative and showing leadership in various aspects of life can open up numerous opportunities for growth and positive impact.

Try This:

• Identify areas in your current role where you can take more initiative.
• Look for leadership opportunities in your community or volunteer organisations.
• Share your knowledge and skills with others, becoming a mentor or go-to person in your area of expertise.

The Main Takeaway ??

Old Approach: Wait for permission to lead.

New Approach: Lead now- from wherever you are.

This shift in thinking, introduced by Sharma and Ibarra, and reinforced by Wambach, has been transformative for me. I've learned to see leadership opportunities in my daily life and work, regardless of my formal position.

?? Remember that effective leaders are needed at all levels of an organisation.

In embracing these insights from "Wolfpack" and my leadership journey, I've come to understand that leadership is not about waiting for the right moment or title. It's about taking action, influencing positively, and making an impact right where you are. Whether you're on the bench or in the spotlight, in the boardroom or on the front lines, your leadership matters. By adopting this mindset, we can all contribute to creating more dynamic, innovative, and supportive environments in our workplaces and communities.

Are you ready to lead from the bench?

I'm continually learning and growing on this leadership journey. I'd be interested to hear about your experiences with leadership. How have these or other leadership books influenced your approach to leading in your life or career?