The definition of leadership is “The action of leading a group of people or an organization” Leading is primarily based on the skills and knowledge of the leader. 

I've always considered myself a leader.  The first to step up, I don't shy away from a challenge. I help others in need of guidance or offer suggestions for an approach to a task or problem. As an extrovert, this comes naturally but there are those who find leading a challenge. Sometimes as a leader, we need to know when not to be the one to be the first to jump up, speak, or raise our hand. 

I had the opportunity to lead and manage people early in my career.  To be honest I wasn't very good at it at that time. I had not realized that I couldn’t make people do things my way or bully them into it.  I had to leave them to determine their own path to achieving tasks.  Demanding just did not work, and as a result, I was not a very effective sales manager.    It was somewhat like leading a horse to water and trying to make it drink, and we all know how that turns out.  It did show me that I could use my leadership skills in other ways.  Thankfully, I learned through experience better ways to lead a team. 

What is Leadership

Part of leading is letting others find their own way.  Leadership isn't about being the smartest person in the room.  Successful leaders listen to their team and guide them towards achieving results.  Brian Scudamore Founder and CEO of OE2 Brands, https://www.o2ebrands.com/about-us posted about the growth of his company is guided by three leadership principles;

• Accountability—to each other and our contributions.
• Collaboration—working together, harnessing the power within our system.
• Innovation—perpetually challenging the status quo.

With the success of Brian’s business, you can see that it works.  It is an excellent foundation for any leader or manager.  This approach is like the Wardell philosophy and management strategy leading your team with the following factors.

• Accountability -Ensure staff have a commitment to a proposed result
• Authority - Empowering team members, with the ability to make decisions necessary to complete a task autonomously
• Responsibility - Assurance that the work that needs to be done will get done according to plan.

We liken these three key factors to a three-legged stool.  If you cut one of the legs the stool will fall over unless someone else is holding it up.  It is best to support your team, but not do the work for them.   Leaders must give up control to let others flourish.  Applying this management strategy provides employees with the ability to do their work and move the company forward.

Team Members

Confidence in yourself and your abilities as a leader along with confidence in your team when you empower them with this strategy is the best way to have your vision come to life.   Finding team members that share your values and support your vision and mission, is key to the growth of a company.  Your mission is the reason for the existence of your business.  Sharing it provides a solid statement that the team can all get behind and push forward.

“Be the leader you wish you had”, one of my favorite quotes from Simon Sinek says it all.  Are you the leader you wish you had?

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