Leadership Mindset at ALL Levels

Titles, diplomas, and certificates don't make a leader. Courage, compassion, and wisdom do—at every level. Part of the mindset gap we have today is the tendency to think that only leaders can lead. Look, a leader is the person who's willing to step up and do what it takes, whether you're on the front lines or in the corner office. I always think of those old World War II movies where that grizzled old sergeant has to step up and save the green lieutenant because the lieutenant has the authority but not the experience to lead his men in battle. Leadership is a mindset. It's your ability to see what needs to be done and do it. It means having the courage to step up first without waiting for orders. It's your willingness to share your knowledge, experience, and wisdom with others, no matter what your rank. Effective leadership is not the product of some 10-step leadership training program. You don't come back from a weekend retreat with a cadre of freshly minted leaders. Genuine leadership is the result of a mindset that must be cultivated, developed, nurtured, practiced, and encouraged at every level of your organization. Your most effective leaders are those people who do without being told. They ask before they're asked. They coach and mentor the people around them. And most of all, they model the behavior you expect in others. A long time ago, Lao Tzu said, "A leader is best when the people barely know he exists." That type of leader might be right in front of you or right beside you.

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