Everyday Leadership: An Inside Job

Posted on January 19, 2016 by Ken Abrams, One of Thousands of Executive Coaches on Noomii.

Joel sparked a fruitful conversation about waste when he gently asked the cafeteria manager at his workplace whether food might be served without unnecessary containers or wrapping, unless requested. Susan worked a whole year to bring a group of high school students from New Zealand to the United States to train other students in an effective form of peer mediation.

Nobody is likely to write a book about Joe or Susan. But these everyday leaders are creating just as much impact in their workplace, family and community as the captains of industry and politics.

Indeed, the challenges and opportunities of today’s marketplace—of today’s world!—require that we all step forward and lead every day, become our own captains and find more of our own personal best to give to the world.

Leadership as a Way of Life
Too often, we believe that leadership is the domain of those with recognized authority and the title to go with it: CEOs, association presidents, conductors, mayors.

However, when we dare to stand up for our beliefs or to follow through on our big dreams and ideas, when we act as though what we say and do in the world matters—matters greatly—we are leading.

In other words, leadership is a way of life, an expression of our fullest and best nature, our unique gifts. And it starts on the inside.

“Everything rises and falls on leadership,” writes John C. Maxwell in The 21 Indispensable Qualities of a Leader. “If you can become the leader you ought to be on the inside, you will be able to become the leader you want to be on the outside.” Qualities of Leadership Because leadership is inextricably connected to who we are deep down, every leader has a different style.

But the inner qualities that make for effective leadership remain constant among all types of leaders:

Positive attitude. Leaders know they can alter their lives by altering their minds. Self-discipline, security and confidence blossom in the presence of a positive attitude.

A drive for learning. Learn from others, from opportunities, from mistakes. Those who stop learning, stop growing.

Unwavering commitment. True commitment requires and inspires courage, passion, focus, initiative, responsibility.

Communication. Sharing knowledge is essential; even more important is listening. As Woodrow Wilson said, “The ear of the leader must ring with the voices of the people.”

Interest in others. The best leaders thrive on helping others achieve their personal best; they are motivated by a desire for the highest good for all rather than personal glory.

Imagine a world full of everyday leaders….