SA Leadership Podcast Episode #081

Best Behaviors of Level 1

Significance Begins HERE

If you have been leading on Level 1 and relying on your position or title to keep things going, are you destined to stay there forever? Absolutely not! All leaders can learn to lead differently and move through the various levels of leadership. The million dollar question is “How do you make the most of your leadership position while shifting from positional to permissional leadership? Here are three insights that I want to explore with you

Stop Relying on Position to Push People

So that I am not misunderstood, there is nothing wrong with having a leadership position. It is the beginning place for all leaders. The gross error is in having a “Positional mind-set.” To become effective as a Level 1 leader you have to push away from title and start leaning into toward people.

The action steps in pushing toward people involves leading before you are the leader. This action involves good questions that does not tell people what to do, but rather asks more personable questions such as…

  • How can I help you?
  • What are some of the challenges that you are facing in your position?
  • How can we collaborate together for an effective solution to this problem?
  • I am interested in how you do this, can you teach me?

Positional leaders push people, thinking this method is effective leading. Nobody likes to be pushed around. The responses from a positional only leader are usually poor. Consider the following concepts of a positional mind-set:

  • Top-down: “I’m over you”
  • Separation: “Don’t let people get close to you”
  • Image: “Fake it till you make it”
  • Strength: Never let ‘em see you sweat”
  • Selfishness: You are here to help me”
  • Power: “I determine your future”
  • Intimidation: “Do this or else”
  • Rules: “The manual says…”

Now contrast how high-level leaders think differently. Pay close attention to the difference in sound.

  • SIDE by SIDE: “Let’s work together”
  • INITIATION: “I’ll come to you”
  • INCLUSION: “What do you think?”
  • COOPERATION: “Together we can win”
  • SERVANTHOOD: “I’m here to help you”
  • DEVELOPMENT: “I want to add value to you”
  • ENCOURAGEMENT: “I believe that you can do this”
  • INNOVATION: “Let’s think outside the box”

Trade Entitlement for Movement

Political Philosopher Niccolo Machiavelli stated, “It is no the titles that honor men, but men that honor titles.” He understood the nature of leadership and the true weakness of titles. If you want to make the most of your position at Level 1 and to honor whatever titles you possess, then do not rely upon them to lead others. Do not exercise your rights. Do not become possessive about your perks. Above all – never believe that you deserve the position.

Leave Your Position and Move Toward Your People

People who rely on position mistakenly believe that it is the responsibility of the people to come to them for what they need. Good leaders understand that it is the responsibility to move toward the people – Leaders are initiators!

Greek philosopher Socrates stated; “Let him who would move the world, first move himself. ”You need to get off of your throne in the high places and come down to where the people dwell. In order to do anything meaningful in life you will need to leave your comfort zone. When you accept the challenge to stretch yourself and grow into new ways – your comfort zone enlarges.

LINKS

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Music: “Gratitude Mood” by David Arivett. You can learn more about his music by clicking on his name. THANKS DAVID!

 

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