Leading people is an adventure that will test your resilience, stretch your know-how, and teach you about people in ways you never imagined!
Leading also teaches you about yourself, IF you allow it!
The “Essential C’s of Leadership Credibility: Confidence, Connection, Clarity, and Courage” helps get you there!
In Parts 1, 2, and 3 of this series I covered Confidence, Connection, and Clarity, respectively.
Confidence is about believing in yourself and “facing” it until you make it.
Connection is about developing your relationship intelligence and communication skills.
Clarity is about creating and maintaining a well-defined, safe organizational structure.
And now, for the fourth “Essential C:” COURAGE!
Courage is the secret sauce of credible leadership.
Why?
Because doing the right thing isn’t always easy.
And being a credible leader means you do the right thing.
I guarantee you’ll be faced with decisions you wish you didn’t have to make.
Maybe you already have!
Here are three principles to help you stay the course when you must step up with courage:
The Power Is yours To Leverage Wisely
The truth is, you have the power. This is what being a leader is ultimately about.
How do you plan to use it?
What is the appropriate level of “power-sharing” in the decisions you have before you?
Is the decision yours to make? Would you benefit from leading a group process to reach consent? Is it a decision you can delegate?
Regardless of level, it’s critical to listen to the full range of perspectives your team and stakeholders offer to aid in the decision.
You might have to get a hold of yourself to hear what’s being said, especially if it’s contrarian or full of what you may judge as misguided conviction.
Whichever level you choose, if you leverage your position and decision-making strategy with openness and demonstrable skill, you will make great strides toward credibility.
Being Respected Is More Important Than Being Liked
Right now, before you take another breath as a leader, understand that you won’t please everyone. That’s an impossible standard, so let it go!
Where being liked is a “nice to have,” being respected is a “must have!”
You may never achieve full enrollment from your team. Be prepared to hear objections even if you’ve done your best to hear and synthesize all points of view.
Your team and stakeholders won’t be able to question your credibility if you practice these things:
- Commit to uphold the greatest good as you are being called to define it,
- Act with integrity and transparency to the best of your ability,
- Own your mistakes, and
- Share the credit for success with others.
This will put you above reproach.
Your Success Depends On Your Resilience
The world, and business, are becoming so unpredictable and complex, it’s almost impossible to move ahead with full certainty.
The best you can do is gather sufficient evidence to make the best informed decision you can, accept that it may not meet 100% certainty, monitor its execution, and adapt as needed.
The results of your decision may be brilliant, abysmal, or anywhere in between!
Here’s where resilience comes in.
No leader hits the ball out of the park with every swing.
There WILL be times when, even with your best effort, you’ll be disappointed with your leadership.
It might take awhile, but be willing to forgive yourself.
More importantly, be willing to learn from your experience and improve your performance.
The courage to get up, dust off, be a little wiser, and try a little harder is GOLD.
Also essential to resilience: pay attention to your life!
Invest time in what makes you strong–your faith, health, relationships, causes, and hobbies that give you meaning, bring you joy, and put a smile on your face.
Think of them as non-negotiable and as important to your success as your work.
It takes courage to honor these needs for yourself and, even better, advocate the same for your team.
Investing time and effort to develop yourself and your skills to master the “Essential C’s of Leadership Credibility” will put you on the road to great leadership.
Which “Essential C” will you start with: Confidence, Communication, Clarity, or Courage?
What is the first step you’ll take? By when?
Good luck on your leadership journey!
*(WBH-Written by a Human)