The most important aspect of leadership is engaging the principle of “It is not about me!”   Taking stock of our leadership skills and becoming more self-aware of our actions is so much harder than reading a book and rolling out a few programs. This fundamental idea emphasizes selflessness in leadership, akin to the teachings of many successful leaders who focus on creating value beyond themselves. By keeping this perspective, leaders can foster stronger, more resilient teams. Afterall we are human beings that gravitate towards worrying about ourselves and what our future brings yet the best leader’s step back and work on this concept.  It is easily seen with famous leaders like Warren Buffet yet even controversial leaders like Steve Jobs and Bill Gates. Their vision is to make changes that better the world.  We may not agree with their approach, yet their internal belief is to create a better world.

Producing effective outcomes as a leader, as well as taking care of your top talent requires you to take a deep look at why you are doing what you do.  Throughout my career I had many times where defensiveness affected the outcome of a decision. I look back and realized that if I remembered the words, “It is not about me.” I would have handled the situation differently.

Stepping into a leadership role with confidence requires empathy and looking at other perspectives which goes against human nature at times. Employees and teams follow leaders that care about them. Some areas to consider:

1. Empower Others: True leadership acts as a guide, not the hero. This perspective puts emphasis on your team or clients being the center of focus while you offer support and guidance. A leader’s role is to help others navigate challenges and achieve their potential.
2. Add Value: Leadership is about creating value for others. This could mean mentoring, providing opportunities for growth, or even offering emotional support. A successful leader consistently seeks ways to improve the lives of those they lead.
3. Cultivate Relationships: Effective leadership involves building meaningful relationships. It’s about understanding others, being empathetic, and fostering an environment where communication and trust can flourish.
4. Reframe Challenges: Leadership often involves seeing challenges not as threats but as opportunities for growth, both for yourself and those you lead. Encouraging others to adopt this mindset can foster resilience and innovation.
5. Mentorship and Growth: As a leader, your aim should be to mentor others by helping them find their path and empowering them to succeed and grow. This involves a supportive yet hands-off approach where the individual’s growth is the primary goal.

By understanding that leadership is more about the people you serve (both your senior executives as well as your teams) than about yourself, you can create an impactful and transformative environment that inspires and uplifts others. This mindset not only enhances your leadership capabilities but also contributes to a more connected and productive team or community. “It is not about me” is a phrase you can use every morning to improve your mindset and re-frame completely how you look at your job, your life and yourself.

Looking to do a deep dive to improve your leadership awareness, please reach out! We will have fun along the way.