Real Leadership: What Does It Mean?

Dear Esteemed Leaders,

Welcome to our new series on leadership, where we'll be diving into the key principles from John Addison's book, ‘Real Leadership’. Over the next few newsletters, we'll explore the nine fundamental practices that define true leadership, revealing how you can apply them to your journey. Whether you're an aspiring leader or already in a leadership role, these insights will offer you practical guidance to help you lead with authenticity, courage, and purpose.

When we talk about leadership, it's easy to get caught up in big titles and grand visions. But John Addison, author of ‘Real Leadership’, offers a simpler perspective. According to him, there are only two things that really matter:

There is what happens.

And, there is what you do about it.

Lucky breaks come by chance. Success comes by choice. - John Addison

It's a straightforward way to think about leadership. Yet, it is incredibly powerful. Let's break it down. 🕵️♀️

Circumstances—good or bad—are often out of our control. Sometimes the winds of fortune blow in our favor, and other times they don't. It just happens. But here's the key: the critical part isn't what happens to you, it's how you respond. The only part that honestly matters, is the second thing:

What you do about it. ⚡

When you understand this, you realize that your choices hold the real power to shape outcomes.

Think of it this way: success can sometimes be a stroke of luck, but more often than not, it's a result of the decisions you make. Similarly, real leadership isn't a matter of being in the right place at the right time—it's about making the right choices consistently. Real leadership is about having the courage to be yourself, doing the right thing, and dedicating yourself to making a positive impact on the lives of others. 🌱

John Addison emphasizes that leadership isn't about being a charismatic figure who commands attention. Instead, it's about inspiring others to commit to a cause, to better themselves, and to live their best lives. For that, you need to be real, authentic, and consistent. This means embracing your unique strengths and not getting bogged down by your weaknesses. It means showing up every day and aiming to be a little better than you were yesterday. 💪

A big part of real leadership is shining the spotlight on others. The best leaders don't need to be the smartest or most talented in the room; they just need to create an environment where others can thrive. And when things get tough, they stand firm and keep going, providing a steadying hand for those who need it. 🤝

John Addison reminds us that you don't have to be superhuman to achieve extraordinary success as a leader. Real, purpose-filled leadership is something we can all achieve. It doesn't just happen overnight. It emerges as a reflection of your daily actions, your consistent behavior, and your genuine care for the people you lead. 🌟

Remember that real leadership is about progress, not perfection. It's about making choices that reflect your values and having the courage to stay true to them. Every day is an opportunity to get a little better, to inspire a little more, and to make a meaningful difference.

Real leadership emerges over time as an expression of who you are and what you do daily. More than anything, it takes shape as a result of everyday practice. That's what real leadership is all about. 🚀