High Performance Leadership - Leading by Example

High Performance Leadership - Leading by Example

Why Should Anyone Follow You?

Leadership is not just about holding a position of authority; it’s about earning the trust and respect of those you lead. People follow leaders who inspire them, who they believe in, and who they trust. To be a leader worth following, you must embody qualities that resonate with your team and demonstrate a commitment to their growth and well-being.

The 4 Key Qualities Admired in Leaders from Kouzes and Posner

According to Kouzes and Posner, the four key qualities admired in leaders are:

1. Honesty: Being truthful and transparent builds trust.
2. Forward-Looking: Having a clear vision for the future inspires others.
3. Competent: Demonstrating expertise and capability instils confidence.
4. Inspiring: Motivating and energising others to achieve their best.

5 Essential Practices to Inspire Others

1. Model the Way: Lead by example and set the standard for others to follow.
2. Inspire a Shared Vision: Communicate a compelling vision that aligns with the values and aspirations of your team.
3. Challenge the Process: Encourage innovation and be willing to take risks to improve.
4. Enable Others to Act: Foster collaboration and build trust, empowering others to take initiative.
5. Encourage the Heart: Recognise and celebrate the contributions and achievements of your team.

Building Trust

Trust is the foundation of effective leadership. Without trust, it’s challenging to lead a team towards success.

Introducing the Trust Bank

The Trust Bank is a metaphor for the trust you build with your team. Every positive interaction is a deposit, while negative interactions are withdrawals. Maintaining a positive balance is crucial for sustaining trust.

13 Trust Behaviours

1. Talk Straight: Be honest and transparent.
2. Demonstrate Respect: Show consideration for others.
3. Create Transparency: Share information openly.
4. Right Wrongs: Address mistakes promptly.
5. Show Loyalty: Support your team members.
6. Deliver Results: Meet commitments and achieve goals.
7. Get Better: Continuously improve and develop.
8. Confront Reality: Face challenges head-on.
9. Clarify Expectations: Ensure everyone understands their roles and responsibilities.
10. Practice Accountability: Hold yourself and others accountable.
11. Listen First: Understand before seeking to be understood.
12. Keep Commitments: Follow through on promises.
13. Extend Trust: Show faith in others’ abilities.

Values and Beliefs

Understanding your values and beliefs is essential for authentic leadership.

The Iceberg Model

The Iceberg Model illustrates that our visible behaviours are driven by underlying values and beliefs. To lead effectively, you must understand and align your actions with your core values.

Identifying Your Own Values

Reflect on what matters most to you and how these values influence your decisions and actions. This self-awareness is crucial for consistent and authentic leadership.

The Impact of Communication

Effective communication is vital for conveying your values and building trust. Be clear, consistent, and open in your interactions to foster a positive and transparent environment.

The Moral Maze

Navigating the line between professional and private life can be challenging for leaders.

The Line Between Professional and Private Life

Maintaining a balance between your professional responsibilities and personal life is essential. Set boundaries to ensure you can fulfil both roles effectively.

Establishing a Moral Compass

Your moral compass guides your decisions and actions. Define your ethical principles and adhere to them, even when faced with difficult choices.

Reputation and Impact

Your reputation as a leader is built on your actions and decisions. Consider the long-term impact of your behaviour on your team and organisation.

Authentic Leadership

Authentic leadership is about being true to yourself and leading with integrity.

The Authentic Leadership Questionnaire

This tool helps you assess your authenticity as a leader. Reflect on your strengths and areas for improvement to enhance your leadership effectiveness.

Leadership and Courage

Leading with courage means making tough decisions, standing up for your values, and taking risks to achieve your vision.

Your Leadership Brand and the Shadow You Cast

Your leadership brand is the perception others have of you. Be mindful of the shadow you cast and strive to leave a positive and lasting impact on those you lead.

What are some real-world examples of authentic leadership?

Authentic leadership is characterised by integrity, transparency, and a genuine connection with others. Here are some notable examples:

1. Nelson Mandela: Mandela’s leadership during and after his imprisonment exemplified authenticity. He remained true to his values of equality and justice, fostering reconciliation in South Africa¹.
2. Oprah Winfrey: As a media mogul and philanthropist, Oprah has consistently used her platform to empower and uplift others. Her transparency and genuine empathy have made a significant impact on society².
3. Martin Luther King Jr.: King led the Civil Rights Movement with unwavering commitment to his values of non-violence and equality. His speeches and actions inspired millions and brought about significant social change³.
4. Eleanor Roosevelt: As First Lady, Roosevelt was a champion for human rights and social justice. Her authentic leadership style was evident in her advocacy for the underprivileged and her role in drafting the Universal Declaration of Human Rights³.
5. Steve Jobs: The co-founder of Apple, Jobs was known for his visionary leadership and commitment to innovation. Despite his sometimes controversial management style, his authenticity in pursuing his vision transformed the tech industry³.

These leaders have demonstrated that authentic leadership involves staying true to one’s values, fostering trust, and inspiring others through genuine actions and integrity.

By embodying these principles and practices, you can become a high-performance leader who inspires and empowers others to achieve their best.