Leadership is a responsibility
As we move about the world we encounter many people in leadership roles, but not as many leaders. Leadership has become an honor bestowed upon the top performer. Little if any effort is dedicated to supporting that person in their transition to leadership before they are directly responsible for leading others. It's a disruptive and discouraging cycle that leaves many people in the corporate space loathing the idea of becoming a leader themselves. Poor leadership amplifies a lack of desire to lead. On the other hand, if you have had the opportunity to work alongside a leader who is well intentioned and demonstrates positive leadership traits, then you have been challenged to find your leadership identity.
It all starts with treating humans like humans. One of the common downfalls of a leader is their own ego. Somewhere along the journey the ego decides that in order to gain compliance and order, it has to be the biggest in the room. This approach means something different for many, but if you've encountered poor leadership then you have certainly experienced condescending comments, undermining behavior, demonstrable authority and so on. It's the constant need to prove that they are in charge and therefore are the smartest person in the room. Interestingly enough, true leaders work hard to surround themselves that people that have specialized knowledge that in most cases exceed their comprehension of the topic. Both leaders are human themselves, one has allowed their ego to lead and the other has chosen humility.
Hold your leaders accountable. Much of the bad behavior we experience or hear about is the direct result of it not being addressed when it occurs. Several times along the way there were opportunities to pull that leader aside and explain why a specific incident was not okay and should have been handled differently. Complicit behavior is a sign of agreement and although that is not usually the intention that is the message being sent to victims and witnesses of inappropriate behavior in the workplace. Often the person exhibiting poor leadership traits becomes disillusioned and even disassociates themselves from their own behavior. The longer it takes for the intervention to occur, the more difficult it becomes to separate the human from the behavior.
Take your role as a leader seriously, understand the impact your presence has on those reporting to you and partnering with you throughout your career. Leadership starts long before you are directly responsible for a team and that responsibility extends beyond your work. It begins with setting an example of how to show up in any space as a human that is flawed, but committed to doing their best. As you develop throughout your career, you may discover that you thrive in a leadership capacity and identify as someone who wants to lead others. When you make that commitment be sure to check in with the team you are leading directly and those you are indirectly leading. Ask for feedback and be open to adjusting your approach along the way.
Everyone is not meant to be a leader of others throughout their career and that is also okay. Being an individual contributor is critical to the success of any business. Leadership is not a requirement for success. Never feel pressured to take on the responsibility of leading a team if you truly are not interested. Not every opportunity is the right fit for you. However, if you're curious and up for the challenge, take it seriously, give leadership a try and assess your decision from there.
*Written on the big couch, legs swinging, coffee waiting.