Last week we talked about “putting down the violin”, stop being a first violinist and step onto the podium to be the conductor. In an orchestra they are both very important roles, and very distinct and different from each other.
Being a first violist and doing conducting is possible, however not the best solution, being a conductor in heart and soul gives a different result.
Most leadership development programs focus on doing, they teach doing skills and help leaders to set doing goals. Doing skills are great. How you do them and to what end, relies on who you are, and who you aspire to be in that role. Not something many leaders ever consider.
The pivotal question is – “Is leading people something I do, or part of who I am?”
We are conditioned to deliver “do” goals: I will do more exercise, do more with the kids, do more to empower the team, do more to deliver better results.
When we rephrase to “be” goals such as I will be an involved parent, a loving spouse, and an inspirational leader, leading by example, you are defining who you are or who you aspire to be.
Once you know who you are, or even better who you aspire to become, the do goals flow naturally and become easier to achieve.
The story I have in mind here is the journey of Carol. I had the privilege to be invited into her journey as her executive coach 2 years ago. She grew into her current role from the ground up. We started working together when she was promoted to an executive level and had to lead her peers. Technically she knew what leaders did, the job description and the expected results were quite clear. The how lacked. We spent time defining who she will be as a leader, what her legacy will be, how people will be touched by her, how her value system and operating principles will influence the way she solves problems, and handles difficult conversations. Then Covid-19 hit and everything changed.
And, because she knew who she is as a leader, she navigated Covid-19 and continues to navigate change, disruption and upheaval with clarity, grace and compassion – her leadership trademark.
Being comfortable in her unique “leadership skin”, and having defined her impact made leadership a core part of who she is.
“Leadership is a choice, not a position.” —Stephen Covey
