We are in the last month of what has been an unusual and difficult year for many. If you have not already, now would be a great time to reflect on the year that has been – the wins and losses – and cast your aspirations for the future. Let’s consider each of the three …
Do you leave your team members feeling drained, or do you infuse them with new life and leave them feeling refreshed?
When you consider a leader as either a drain or a fountain, you notice clear differences.
As with famous fountains, when you choose to be a ‘fountain’ leader, people will be attracted to you for the beauty, refreshing and enjoyment you add to their lives. They will reciprocate by giving their best. A win for them, a win for you, and a win for the organization.
People have reacted differently to the new stressful situations; some coping better than others. This has meant a greater need for empathy on the part of leaders, to help those they lead cope better.
There are some practical steps you can take to learn to lead with empathy. These include learning to listen, making yourself vulnerable, and genuinely caring for others.
Everyone has the potential to be a leader. However, this cannot be accomplished overnight. It requires perseverance, and you absolutely cannot ignore the Law of Process. Leadership develops daily, not in a day. Do not be fooled by the illusion of overnight success. Invest in the process, and reap the rewards.
