Leadership In The "Gaps"
We often talk about the big debate about whether leaders or born
or made. Are we just born with the all the skills and traits
necessary to inspire others to want to follow us, or is it more
of a process of learning these skills? While that debate will go
on and on, there's one thing I do know, you define yourself as a
leader in the "gaps". Those seconds between something happening
and your response.
In this small amount of time, you show your people just what you
value and who you really are. It's in those situations when you
have little if any time to think, you just react. In the "gap",
you rely solely on your character and values to drive your
actions. No faking, no rehearsal, no second chance to get it
right.
This is why I feel it is so important that one of the first
things we do as a new leader is define ourselves. What do we
really value? Where will you draw the line in terms of getting
results? Will you lie, will you ask people to do things that you
would never do yourself? At some point we are all faced with
decisions that define who we are as a leader. I can't think of a
better way to gain the respect of others by making decisions
that are always aligned with your values. If you have been
blessed with some great mentors, you are probably well grounded
in having a solid foundation as to who you are and how to align
that with your leadership style. If not, one of the fist things
you need to do is find someone that can help guide and mentor
you until you have your values securely attached.
Think about some of the decisions you were faced with last week.
Anything that you did not feel good about but felt you "had" to
do? Those are usually the ones that deviate from your core
values. Define your values for a lifetime, and your "gap"
decisions will be consistent and right on the money.