What kind of Leader do you want to be?

As professionals and individuals, we often hear about Leadership and its significance in our lives. But what exactly does it mean to be a leader? According to iPEC (Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching), Leadership goes beyond the traditional definition; it's about inspiring and motivating not only others but also ourselves to take transformative actions that yield lasting results.

That means Leadership isn't confined to the boardroom or executive suite—it's a role each one of us plays daily. However, the effectiveness of our Leadership depends on our level of consciousness and energy. This leads us to the intriguing concept of anabolic and catabolic energy.

Anabolic energy, characterised by growth and building, is associated with effective Leadership. Anabolic leaders are the architects of strong relationships, cohesive teams, nurturing families, and successful businesses. They create, empower, and inspire. On the contrary, catabolic energy is destructive, and catabolic leaders tend to dismantle and break down everything in their path.

In this article, we will explore the differences between anabolic and catabolic Leadership styles and how you can harness the power of anabolic Leadership to become the Leader you aspire to be.

The Catabolic Leader: Managing the Show

Picture the catabolic leader as someone who manages, someone who controls, directs, governs, and dominates. They are often coming from, "This is how things should be done," or "I know best." Catabolic leaders maintain a tight grip on their team, keeping them in a non-powerful position. This approach can lead to frustration, both for the leader and those being led.

Catabolic leaders may find themselves complaining that they can't find competent help and that no one can perform tasks as well as they can. This mindset perpetuates a cycle of control, hindering growth and collaboration within the team.

The Anabolic Leader: Guiding and Inspiring

Now, let's shift our focus to the anabolic leader—a true guide who inspires and empowers. Leading, as defined, involves showing the way, guiding direction, and supporting action. Anabolic leaders don't push or control; instead, they motivate through words, actions, and personal example.

Anabolic leaders possess a fundamental belief that each person is greater and wiser than they may appear. Therefore, they don't feel the need to dictate actions or decisions. They recognize that everyone carries their own answers and unique gifts, and they aim to nurture and bring out the best in each individual.

The Power of Requests and Choices

When a catabolic leader tells or demands that someone do something, the response is often met with resistance: "I won't," "I have to," or"I need to." On the other hand, when an anabolic leader makes a request or seeks someone's input, the response tends to be more positive:"I want to" or "I choose to."

The key takeaway here is that the more anabolic the leader, the greater the likelihood of success in any given task or project. Anabolic leaders foster an environment where individuals feel valued and empowered to contribute their best efforts.

Becoming More Anabolic

As you go about your interactions with colleagues, team members, and loved ones, take a moment to reflect on your Leadership style. Consider how embracing anabolicLeadership by leading instead of managing could transform your relationships and outcomes.

Leadership isn't about control; it's about inspiration. It's about guiding and supporting others to achieve their fullest potential. When you choose to be an anabolic leader, you create a positive ripple effect that fosters growth, innovation and lasting success.

In the next article I will delve deeper into the characteristics of anabolic and catabolic leaders, providing you with practical insights and strategies to enhance your Leadership abilities. Stay tuned to unlock your full Leadership potential and make a meaningful impact in both your professional and personal life.

Remember, Leadership is the ability to inspire and motivate others, as well as yourself, to take life-changing action to create extraordinary results that last.

If your interest is peaked and you want to find out how you can become more Anabolic, don't hesitate and send me a dm...