I saw this great graphic that made me really stop and look at myself. If I was in this picture which one would I be?
Would I be the boss sitting in my ivory tower shouting at the troops to get it done, or would i be in there right along side them taking the strain and showing them where to go?
It’s not about having a physical office over sitting amongst the staff, because for HR reasons you need to have a space to separate yourself every once in a while when you are in charge. It’s about how you’re perceived to be by those that you are guiding. Spending time amongst your team, listening to their issues, being a living example and taking your share of the load to find ways to make life easier for everyone.
People who fit in this picture as the boss are often threatened by the leaders and do their utmost to discredit them. They can find devious ways to manage them out of their position or even the organisation. More time is spent in negativity only breeds bad culture.
Real leaders are courageous; fear doesn’t even enter into their vocabulary. They are driven to guide and teach and share. How true is it, the best way to get the most out of someone is to work right beside them, encourage them, show how your strength will allow them to shine. Great mentors are also down in the trenches with the troops, they are not sitting above you but right along side with their hand at your back guiding you to make your own decisions and to take chances.
Another way of differentiating yourself as a leader is to exude optimism.
Have you been the brunt of a boss that is forever telling you what you did wrong and say you need to do better, but offer no solutions as to how?
Leadership and Mentorship is working in a state of positivity.
Sharing experience to inspire doesn’t have to be only about past experience; it can also be current experience, trying new things together. Attending the same networking events or conferences, developing new or improved ways of doing things jointly or collectively. Having someone beside you as you take a leap forward will give you confidence and grow your belief in yourself. Trusting that they wont let you fall.
Here are 4 things I took away from this graphic…(if you have others that speak to you, please share them in the comments below.)
- Leaders/Mentors will always be beside you, they don’t expect you to do it for them and make them look good.
- Leaders/Mentors will always share the load and be helpful.
- Leaders/Mentors wont let you fail, they will be right there to guide to you and help you succeed
- Shouting your mission aloud isn’t always going to get it done the best way possible.
If you are interested in finding a Leader/Mentor to work alongside you but don’t know where to start. Work through my eCourse 45 Potential Mentors, it will broaden your horizons as to who to align yourself with as a mentor.
Share to be inspired, be inspired to share.
