"My job is not to be easy on people. My job is to make them better."
Steve Jobs
I need inspiration. Every now and then all of us do. We need the inspiration to achieve our life goals, to do something new, and reach new heights. But when we need inspiration who do we turn to? We turn to those who are our role models. For most of us, we have never met our role models in person, but yet we feel connected and we feel inspired by reading their quotes, books, or listening to their videos, podcasts, or audiotapes. Have you ever wondered - why?
Who are these role models, who can guide us without being present? Are we feeling inspired by their face or voice or thoughts? I believe we feel inspired by their mindset and it is their mindset that is leading us to explore the unknown. We shall aim to be that kind of leader and we will surely reach there.
This week’s leadership trait is about having a Leadership Mindset. It is the first step towards becoming a great leader.
My Observations
I am a people person. I am always ready to take the lead and I am a team player. But does it make me a good leader? No. It makes me a great colleague and I won't be a Leader by just having these qualities.
More often than not, I have seen those who are managing teams to call themselves leaders but they are actually Managers. The only thing they care about is the bottom line. They care about meeting goals, objectives, and KPIs. A performance review is merely a formal exercise and growth of those who are in their teams is not an option as they are "owned" by this Manager. I don't have the authority to make any decisions or provide feedback, but I have to follow every decision.
On the other hand, A true Leader is friendly, shares the stories of his/her family. Asks me and my colleagues every now and then how our family is doing. What our kids are doing? Asks if he/she could provide any help in removing obstacles in achieving any goals. He/She act strictly when he/she needs to but also hangs around till late if the team is tackling challenging issues burning the midnight oil. I am asked if I am comfortable doing the task at hand and always set a challenge little out of my league. I can also make some decision within my own rights and recommend what I think should be done. I feel great being part of the team and feel connected with this Leader as well as I ensure that I don't make them look bad in front of other teams or his/her superiors. A Leader knows that the team comes first and ensures that the team staying up late takes required time off first.
Who would you work for? What is it that makes them different? It is the Leadership Mindset.
I have worked for both types of bosses. I am telling you, I am not going to work for the "Manager" ever again.
Leadership Mindset is not only required for the office setting, it is vital for the growth of human society and the greater good. True Leaders are needed everywhere.
What is Leadership Mindset?
Robin Sharma is a well know leadership and motivational author and speaker. I really love how he explains what does it mean to have a Leadership Mindset.
"Leadership is no longer about your position. It's now more about your passion for excellence and making a difference You can lead without a title." Robin Sharma
This week's read is
Additional Reading
If this post has triggered your curiosity 🤔 and you want to read more. Here are a few links for you and it's not homework. 🙂
Your turn...
What do you think about this trait?
Have you seen the Leadership Mindset in action?
What would you do next to embed this mindset in your life or work?
That's all for today! Hope this newsletter is helping you grow personally and professionally.
Please share your feedback.
Thank you 🙏 for reading and have a great weekend!
Disclosure: Some of the links in this newsletter are “affiliate links” and explicitly labelled. This means I may receive a small commission at no cost to you if you choose to make a purchase. Thank you.
Disclaimer: My views in this newsletter are my own and does not represent the views of the organization I work for or have worked for in the past.