#23 – Who Is a Leader?

As a manager for several years, I have had the opportunity to lead teams of all ages and backgrounds. I have noticed people have several misconceptions about leadership. Because of this, I felt it is essential to clarify who is a true leader.

There are several myths about leadership that can lead to incorrect assumptions and expectations:

1. A leader must be an extrovert: It is often believed that leaders must be outgoing and assertive, but this is not always the case. Introverted leaders can be just as effective as outgoing ones, as long as they possess other important leadership qualities such as empathy, communication skills, and the ability to inspire and motivate their team.
2. A leader must know everything: It is not realistic to expect a leader to have all the answers at all times. A true leader is willing to admit when they don’t know something and is open to learning from their team and seeking out new information.
3. A leader must be the most senior person: Seniority does not necessarily equate to leadership ability. A true leader is someone who can effectively guide and motivate their team, regardless of their position or length of service.
4. A leader must never make mistakes: Making mistakes is a natural part of being a leader. The key is to learn from those mistakes and use them as opportunities for growth and improvement.
5. A leader must always be in control: While a leader needs to have a clear vision and set of goals, they should also be able to collaborate with and empower their team. A true leader does not seek to impose their leadership on others or take away anyone’s autonomy.

True leadership also involves taking calculated risks and being able to adapt to change. A leader must be able to make difficult decisions and navigate uncertainty to move their team forward. They should also be able to inspire and motivate their team through challenges and setbacks, helping to maintain a positive and forward-thinking attitude.

In addition to these qualities, a true leader should also be a good role model and lead by example. This means showing integrity, honesty, and a strong work ethic. They should also be open to feedback and willing to make changes and improvements based on the needs and concerns of their team.

I remember when I first started managing a team that included people who were older than me. I was nervous about how they would respond to being led by someone younger, but I quickly realized that age was not a factor. What mattered was my ability to clearly explain my goals and expectations, listen to and value my team’s ideas, and help them grow and stay healthy.

Effective communication is thus a crucial aspect of leadership. True leaders should be able to convey their vision and expectations to their team, as well as listen to and address the concerns and ideas of team members. They should also be able to effectively delegate tasks and responsibilities and provide support and guidance as needed.

Over time, I have come to understand that a true leader is not defined by age or position. They are someone who possesses qualities such as empathy, communication skills, and a strong sense of responsibility. True leaders can inspire and motivate their team to achieve success while also prioritizing their development and well-being. They set a good example by being honest and having integrity, and they are open to feedback and always trying to get better.

Making mistakes is also natural. The key is to learn from those mistakes and use them as opportunities for growth and improvement. True leaders are willing to admit when they don’t know something and are open to learning from their team and seeking out new information.

I have learned that a true leader is not defined by their personality type or their ability to have all the answers. Sometimes the quiet and unassuming members of a team can be the most effective leaders because they listen to and value the input of others.

In summary, a true leader is someone who can inspire and motivate their team to achieve success while also prioritizing their development and well-being. They possess qualities such as empathy, communication skills, and a strong sense of responsibility, and they lead by example with integrity and honesty. Conventional wisdom about leadership does not always reflect these important qualities.

Whether you are a seasoned professional or just starting in your career, I hope that these insights will help you to be a more effective leader, be more productive in your work, and achieve greater success in your marketing efforts.