What is the best way to lead?

Let’s get to the answer first: The best way to lead is authentically. I do not mean the model of leadership known as authentic leadership (but I will be discussing that below). I mean that the best way to lead is the way YOU can authentically lead. Be yourself. Would you rather put on a mask every day and lead with false traits and forced emotions? Or would you prefer to use your strengths and skills to be effective? You are not Winston Churchill or Joan of Arc. Their leadership is different than yours. while you can and should learn from their example, the best leadership you can provide is that which is authentic to you. 

But how do you determine what is authentic to you? Well… you ask questions. 

The questions to ask

You can lead by the seat of your pants, or you can lead intentionally and authentically. To begin understanding how you should lead, I suggest starting by answering these 5 questions:

What do I want as a leader?

What do you want to achieve? What goals do you have? What is important to you? What impact do you want to have on others?… on the world? Create clarity here on what you want and why that is important.

What DON’T I want as a leader?

What lines will you not cross? What kind of leader do you NOT want to be? Do you have experience working with a toxic leader? If so, dig into what was so memorable about that experience and how you strive to be different. 

What traits do I have that make me worth following?

You have superpowers. What are they? If you were to ask a friend what your best traits are, what would they say? Can you lean into these traits as a means to lead and support your followers? List at least a few traits which will help you lead effectively.

What traits do I have that could impede my effectiveness?

Time to get real. What do you do that could be an impediment? Are you reactive? Do you have weak empathy? Are you a poor listener? While you should lean into your strengths, take time to note areas of weakness that you can improve. 

What do I plan to do to become the leader I choose to be?

Time for action. Leadership will present challenges to you. How well do you know yourself, and can you plan for actions to build yourself into the leader you want to be?

Styles of Leadership

There are as many styles of leadership as there are diets and workout routines. While you should lead with authenticity, you may find one of the leadership styles below resonates with you. Here are a few leadership styles along with some pros and cons. If you wish to dig deeper into this topic, check out the book Leadership by Peter Northouse.

The Authentic Leader

Why don’t we start here? Bill George describes the authentic leader as having 5 characteristics:

1. Purpose – They have a strong sense of purpose
2. Values – They have strong values
3. Relationships – They establish trusting relationships with others
4. Discipline – They demonstrate self-discipline
5. Empathy – They are sensitive and empathetic to the plight of others. 

Authentic leaders are those who know what they are doing and why they are doing it.

The Servant Leader

Servant leaders are attentive to the needs and concerns of followers. They are attentive, empathize, and nurture followers to empower them toward fulfilling their own potential. There are 10 characteristics of a servant leader:

1. Listening – They listen well and validate the perspectives of followers.
2. Empathy – Servant leaders truly understand the perspective of followers
3. Healing – They care about the personal well-being of those they engage with. 
4. Awareness – They are attuned to the physical, social, and political environment.
5. Persuasion – This is demonstrated by clear and consistent communication that convinces others to change.
6. Conceptualization – Servant leaders are visionaries and create clarity on goals and direction.
7. Foresight – They can predict what is coming.
8. Stewardship – Servant leaders take responsibility.
9. Commitment – This refers to commitment to the growth and development of people. 
10. Community – Servant leaders foster and nurture a community of followers. 

Servant leaders are very focused on others and helping them develop into the best versions of themselves. 

The Transforming Leader

Transformational leadership changes others and focuses on intrinsic motivation and follower development. Compare this to transactional leadership where the leader exchanges one thing for particular behavior from the follower. For example, politicians are often transactional leaders as they promise to provide X, Y, and Z if we only give them our vote. Transformational leaders, however, tap the motives of followers in order to reach the goals of both leader and follower alike. Transformational leaders have 4 traits:

1. Idealized influence – This is charisma. Followers identify with these leaders and want to emulate them. These leaders typically have very high moral standards.   
2. Inspirational motivation – These leaders communicate high expectations to followers. They inspire them to become part of the shared vision.
3. Intellectual stimulation – This involves challenging followers to be creative and innovative. It also includes challenging the followers on their own beliefs, as well as the beliefs of the leader and the organization
4. Individualized consideration – These leaders support, listen and empathize with individuals. They act as coaches and advisors while empowering others to act. 

To me, the transforming leader is an authentic leader with a healthy dose of charisma.  

The Dictator

I put this in here to see if you were paying attention. Don’t be a dictator. No one wants to work for a tyrant. 

What kind of leader are you?

You do not have to choose one of the above leadership styles. You can pick traits from the lists above and create your own style specific to your strengths. But first, ask yourself the 5 questions to create clarity. At the end of the day, every leader is different. I hope you lean into what makes you a great leader. 

Thanks for reading. 

Until next time…

Clark