If you are engaged in a LEADERSHIP role, you know the feeling of having to be the smartest person in the room. Leadership represents a lot of responsibility. Doesn’t matter the size of the team, you are the one people will come running to when the stuff hits the fan. We all work hard to achieve leadership. We must prove ourselves and we must do it over and over. But as we do prove ourselves, we also earn something that has as much value in the workplace (and at home) than can ever be fully appraised – That would be TRUST. Trust does not come easy. It takes time. We demonstrate many qualities that make us stand out and more importantly, stand up. The subtleties in life can be the very thing that separate you from the others. We all want added value. A parent, a supervisor, a director are all managing something or someone and the thing or the someone will always be looking for the value factor. And as the leader, it will always be your job to organize, direct, consult, set an example, mentor, set the tone, inspire, motivate, be the visionary, make the big decisions, and foster some type of healthy environment.
All that said, I think the best leaders rely deeply on those they are surrounded with. Empower them so they can flourish. They were hired for a reason. Let them do what they do and as they develop their own trust factor, we can give them more responsibility, watch them develop and if you are really paying attention – You will LEARN from them. The model you create for them to follow is important, but the purpose of the team is we all have ownership in the process. Allow the appropriate ‘wiggle’ room so they can perform beyond your expectations. If you lead well – You will learn.
