John is the CEO of LearnLoft, author of, F.M.L. Standing Out & Being a Leader and host of the 'Follow My Lead' Podcast. He writes or has been featured on Inc.com, LinkedIn Pulse, TrainingIndustry.com, eLearningIndustry.com, CNBC Money, and more. John completed his education at the University of Maryland College.
I define a leader as someone who's actions inspire, empower, and serve in order to elevate others over an extended period of time.
Here’s a story I’ve heard too often: A young professional has finally arrived at a leadership position because of their relentless pursuit of achievement. To their surprise, the moment is bittersweet. While they alone bear the responsibility for their team’s success, they find that they’re unable to control what determines it. The realization hits them that they finally have authority, but they can’t seem to use it to move their team in the right direction. Not to mention, they are impacting people’s lives – both positively and negatively based on the decisions they make every day.
When I moved into a leadership position, I was amazed at the overwhelming sense of responsibility that I felt to develop my team. Suddenly, a huge part of someone else’s well being and happiness at work was largely affected by my choices and actions. Any leader, regardless of experience, needs to be aware of how his or her actions and choices impact people. Those who aren’t tuned in to this will inevitably hurt their team members, their company and ultimately themselves.
We focus a lot on what leaders can do to improve, but we often forget to analyze our current actions and which behaviors we need to stop doing. Most likely, you aren’t an awful leader, but there are definitely some things you don’t want creeping into your relationships with your employees.
We often display a natural tendency to put our own needs before others'...This isn't necessarily a bad thing, though. As Psychology Today's Lisa Firestone notes, "Maintaining a certain regard for ourselves and engaging in self-compassion and self-care are actually fundamental to creating a good life for ourselves and the people who matter most to us."
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