Leveling Up on Leadership

Leadership philosophy and behaviors at work, are rooted in the core values of individuals. They will eventually, show up to be the same.

This is critical to understand, as we identify and select the leaders to build, to sustain, grow organizations. As we make decisions about who leads and how we assess leaders, organizations need to be laser focused on the values and behaviors candidates bring to the table. 

Are the values - rooted in integrity? Are the behaviors born of true experience and competence? Or from fear? 

Are leaders operating from a mental construct of “I am afraid, so I need to control, hoard and block?” Or a mindset of “let’s collaborate and co-create to make the pie bigger”. 

Is the mindset to take? Or to give and enable? 

Is the primary value - to build, to serve?

Jim Collins' books "Good to Great" and "Built to Last" are great primers on how Level 5 leaders, servant leaders build resilient, regenerative organizations. These ideas are even more relevant today as we emerge out of the shadow of the pandemic, and survey the debris left by the past year.

I read "Good to Great" and "Built to Last", while I was on maternity leave, years ago. The principles aligned with what I learned growing up in India, and resonated deeply. So, the messages of Servant Leadership and Level 5 leadership stay with me.

They remind me of what I need to work toward.

As I juggle work and life everyday, I find myself asking myself three questions based on Level 5 Leadership. They center each day and remind me of how much I need to work on myself.

I also ask my kids these questions, and frequently I get an answer that teaches and inspires me (though many a time, I also get an eyeroll in response!)

Question #1: What purpose do you have that is bigger than yourself?

Question #2: How Can You Succeed By Helping Others Succeed?

Question #3: How Will You Change The Lives Of Others? What will you leave behind?

The ideas are a subtext in my family's discussions as we decide how we use our time on some weekends, what we look for in colleges (we have a high school junior), how we guide our girls to seek and build enduring, meaningful relationships - as we show them how to live.

Ask yourself these questions everyday - you may be surprised and rejuvenated by the answers.