You are only the caretaker of your leadership role

Always remember that you are only the caretaker of your leadership role.

Serving in a leadership role is a privilege and not a right.?

There is an important distinction.?

The perks that are usually associated with a leadership role are great, but they are not the leadership role.

I learnt that dear lesson a number of years ago. I have made the point before, that even if you do not follow sport or have no interest in sport, it is often in sport where the leadership lessons are the greatest. So outside of following some sports, I always try to look for the lessons that sport can teach me as a leader.

One of the most iconic sporting teams in the world is the All Black Rugby team. The national rugby team from New Zealand. To be selected for the national team is an honour dreamt of by most young aspiring players in New Zealand. What are the most powerful lessons I can draw from this iconic team? The team is steeped in Māori tradition and symbolism. And in this symbolism, I find some important lessons.

1. Collective Heritage.

The Māori word for this is ‘whakapapa.’ This symbolism draws you back to your roots, your core heritage. And at the same time, it links you with the present and the future. As a leader this is exactly what we embody, understanding our roots and successfully living in the present while crafting a better future for our team.

As a leader the concept of whakapapa allows you to emulate your role models while understanding that their lessons are still yours to learn. Your worldview shapes your leadership style and if your worldview is able to seamlessly move between your heritage, the present and a better future, then you will reach all your goals.

2. Embodiment of the Leadership Spirit It is easy to forget that we all have a spiritual side. Yours may be somewhat blunted by the Social Media bombardment we face, but it is still there. The leadership position you hold has a very definite spiritual side to it. It includes a “guardianship” and “protection” of the role. The Māori word for this is ‘kaitiakitanga.’ The leadership position you hold was filled by esteemed leaders before you and will be held by esteemed leaders after you.

This understanding that we are only “caretakers” or guardians of our leadership position is very humbling. It means that as caretakers and guardians we have to respect the position and look after it. We have to leave a positive legacy for the position, more than simply being successful in the position. It is a crucial understanding for leadership success.

Understanding that as leaders we are mere guardians and caretakers of our leadership position and that our ability to link the past, present and future of our leadership position is what will ultimately be remembered about us.?

Not the one year you “shot the lights out” and made huge profits. That success fades, quickly, but recognition of good guardianship outlasts us.

Want to give your team a deep sense of purpose? Then we should learn from Māori wisdom and understand our spiritual embodiment and responsibility to our leadership role.