Is Leadership About Titles, or Making a Difference?

Imagine leading a team where every member feels empowered to contribute their best ideas, where innovation thrives because everyone knows their input is valued. That’s the kind of leadership that creates remarkable results.

As Jack Welch famously said, “Before you are a leader, success is all about growing yourself. When you become a leader, success is all about growing others.” Many leaders understand this concept and mentor their teams accordingly. However, a crucial aspect of this growth mindset often goes overlooked: genuinely celebrating when someone in your team presents an idea that outshines your own.

This requires a significant mindset shift—a shift from proving your superiority to fostering an environment where others can excel. After all, we’ve been conditioned to raise our hand in class, win competitions, and make decisive points in meetings to demonstrate our value. It’s how we’ve advanced in our careers.

But true leadership, especially in today’s fast-paced and complex VUCA world, demands that we embrace this shift. It’s about moving from being the person with all the answers to the one who creates space for others to shine. When we acknowledge and celebrate the brilliance of our team members, we encourage them to express themselves fully, unlocking their potential and driving spectacular results.

Acknowledging Better Ideas:

Consider this: You’re in a meeting, and a team member suggests a solution that’s better than what you had in mind. Do you openly acknowledge their idea and support its implementation? When leaders do this, it not only boosts the team’s morale but also fosters a culture of innovation and collaboration. Everyone feels safe to share their ideas, knowing they will be valued and considered.

Encouraging Full Expression:

When team members know their contributions are truly valued, they’re more likely to express themselves fully. This leads to more creativity, better problem-solving, and ultimately, stronger outcomes for the entire team. The shift from focusing on personal success to team success is not easy, but it’s a crucial part of becoming an effective leader.

Making the Shift in a VUCA World:

In today’s volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous (VUCA) environment, leadership is no longer about having all the answers. It’s about guiding your team through challenges by leveraging the collective intelligence of the group. This requires a mindset shift that may be uncomfortable at first, but it’s essential for long-term success.

The Final Word:

True leadership is about more than just mentoring and guiding. It’s about making the conscious choice to step back and let others lead when their ideas are better. This mindset shift, though challenging, is critical in today’s world. By fostering an environment where team members feel empowered to share their best ideas, leaders can drive innovation and achieve spectacular results.

As we navigate this new landscape, the focus should be on making a difference—not just holding the title. Where are you on this journey? Don’t hesitate to seek guidance if you need it. True leadership is about growing others, and it starts with embracing this shift.