Your Leadership Is In The Value You Create

As a leader, you shine when you provide value to your organization (by getting the expected results) and to the people you interact with to achieve those results (through the relationships you have with them). 

Now, here’s the thing- the relationships you have with those you lead are foundational to the results you will achieve. Value is the common currency that flows between healthy relationships.

As a leader, you will generate value for others when you:

Take care of yourself first

You will be at your best to lead others only when you take care of yourself. When you give everything to your work – as many leaders I know do– you will likely run out of energy reserves at some point, impacting your performance. Leaders are meant to stay healthy by paying attention to many areas in their lives. So, check in with your physical, emotional, and spiritual needs to make sure they are met. If you feel healthy in all areas, you’ll find that giving value to others is possible.

Give those you lead your focused attention

It may seem like a simple thing to be attentive and present to others, but you may find yourself struggling with distraction or energy drain when you do. It takes practice and persistence. You’ll provide the most value to others when you listen deeply and stay present. It’s a gift to those you lead when you can give even the smallest amount of focused attention to them regularly, and it benefits you and the organization.

Show you care

Leadership means caring for your team. When you focus on the good in others, the things that might bother you about them become less important. This opens up communication, making it easier to show you care genuinely. Remember, personal issues can affect work performance. Being kind and compassionate when your team faces personal or work-related challenges helps them overcome difficulties and be more productive. 

Help your teammates find solutions to their problems

Sometimes, barriers are external, and sometimes they are on the inside. As a leader, noticing what keeps people around you stuck is important. Then, help them break through the barriers that are holding them back. You’ll find that your mentoring and coaching can help them to release their potential to become more than they (and you) imagined.

As a leader, your job is to create value for others such that it becomes the bridge for enhancing the relationships you have. Results only happen on the back of solid relationships.