I am hugely passionate about good leadership. I always have been. I am not sure where that has come from. Maybe it is because I have worked for some abysmal leaders in my time or maybe it's because we spend so much time at work why wouldn't you want to make it an enjoyable place for others to thrive? But one thing is certain, I can talk about the topic of leadership for eternity. But for the purpose of this blog I won't!
However it got me thinking, there is no manual to being a good leader so where did I learn my lessons on leadership and build my understanding of what good leadership is?
The power duo
On considering my answer to this, I kept coming back to the same conclusion. I learnt what leadership should be from two people who I previously worked with. The power duo, Peter & Emma.
Let me tell you a story.
Just over 10 years ago I started in a role where I was responsible for the delivery of a 3rd party sales team. I didn't directly manage the team but I was targeted on their delivery and engagement. Looking back now it was a role I really loved doing, it was hugely people focused and I learnt the basics of good leadership from this dream team, Emma and Peter. Not only did I love hanging out with them both on an evening and sharing a glass of wine but during day hours I was like a sponge, soaking up all that leadership goodness. But what did they do that was different and in my eyes made them successful leaders?
Integrity isn't underrated
The first thing which stands out as I reflect is their firm but fair approach. I liked that, you always knew where you stood and in my opinion consistency is underrated. As leaders they weren't afraid to make decisions, sometimes unpopular ones but they went about it with fairness and always thought about the impact of it on people. As my career developed I now know that can often be forgotten. As a team member it meant I viewed them with real integrity and I have tried to always keep that value alive in my own leadership style. I can remember by having integrity present, how it made me feel and so I try to emulate that as much as possible.
Humility is human
Good leadership is about being humble. Putting others before yourself. I remember one day we were all sat in a meeting with some senior management completing a talent review of the team and the discussion got challenging alongside some instances of ego fuelled behavior. Emma stepped in and called it out in front of us all and in that moment demonstrated humility. She had stood up for her team and for what was right, which was absolutely the right thing to do but this takes guts and not everyone would or can do this. Standing up for what is right for those in your team, is a big should of leadership and if you wonder why, well that memory still sticks with me now 10 years on.
Fun and the fox
Yes fun! Ah I laughed. I maybe even cried a few times from laughter mainly related to a story around cream cakes and a fox but I will leave that one there! But it is moments like this that build connections between people and when people have fun they are more engaged, less stressed and more productive. This time in my career was one of the hardest working times, long hours and long car journeys but the truth is, I was having so much fun that my energy and motivation was higher and I got more work done. Emma and Peter were at the heart of that fun and for me that is a critical leadership quality.
Rose tinted glasses helped me read my manual
So I appreciate I may be accused of reflecting back on this time in my career with rose tinted glasses but I know this was where I learnt the ropes and traits of good leadership. It was the time that sparked my passion for the subject and why I help people in being better at leading others in my work today. Plus, they genuinely were some of the most brilliant years of my career to date!
I feel a bit sad that I no longer get to work with these leadership pros Peter and Emma, but I know that others are getting that opportunity and so, as a good leader should, I need to show humility here and step aside. But one thing is for sure, Emma and Peter certainly have a substantial chapter in my leadership manual.
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