Insights

Anita Roddick once said, “You have to look at leadership through the eyes of the followers;” this simple statement reveals a profound truth that must be considered.  Some of the greatest lessons in leadership I have ever learned were the result of observing the successes and failures of others.  By learning lessons through observing the ups and downs of another, it becomes possible to shape and expand one’s own leadership ideology.  It is in this pursuit, that I will share some of the leadership lessons I have learned, while observing from the sidelines.

The most profound leadership lesson I have experienced to date, occurred early in my professional career.  I found myself working in a position I was not passionate about, in an industry I had never considered.  Frankly, I took the position because I became desperate for employment.  Unfortunately, my direct manager was placed into the position of leading a team, while he had been given no clear guidance on how to coach, train or develop others; he was a skilled salesman and it was therefore assumed, he would be a skilled manager.  After six months with this company, my ongoing employment was at jeopardy over a missed sales quota.  My manager suggested I “fudge the numbers” in order to maintain my employment.  Adjectives fail to describe the feelings and thoughts running through my mind as I let the directive of my manager settle in; any and all respect I had for this individual was instantaneously eroded.

Here was the lesson: while a person of authority may act in a manner that is undeserving of respect, the office they hold is always worthy of respect.  In an instant, this individual proved why the role and authority granted him was misplaced.  Regardless, the managerial position He held was still deserving of respect.  This same lesson is revealed in the Biblical account of King David.  While a young man and general in the court of King Saul, David distinguished himself in battle, proving to be a man of character.  King Saul’s jealousy and anger focused toward David, drove him to hunt and pursue (with intent to kill) his once trusted general.  One evening, while hiding from Saul, David was confronted with an opportunity to kill his pursuer; instead David merely cut a corner from Saul’s robe.  Instantly, David was overcome with guilt and remorse for his actions; moreover, when David confessed his betrayal to Saul, David lay on the ground as a sign of respect.  While Saul proved to be a man unworthy of such devotion, David showed the respect due the anointed king.  The above lesson is simply applied: it is my responsibility to act in a manner that is in keeping with the accountability and respect inherently due any leadership role I undertake.

A second leadership lesson came from watching a true leader in his element.  I spent several years working in retail management and during that time, it was not uncommon for new general managers in training to rotate through our location; such was the case with Nick.  Nick was a former Marine Sergeant who also happened to be a Gulf War Veteran.  Nick was purposeful and present with the staff.  He engaged the team, investing the time necessary to get to know each of us in order to not only develop connection, but to provide powerful insight.  In one such instance, Nick delivered a challenging review of my mindset and approach to business.  Frankly, it was not a glowing analysis; instead it was a straightforward, candid breakdown of a necessary change I needed to implement in my leadership approach.  I wish I could say that I took the analysis well, but having a critical review delivered by someone you wish to impress, is never easy.

Here is the lesson: a leader is willing to have tough conversations, in order to be the catalyst for the growth and development of a team or individual.  Nick did not shy away from the weaknesses he observed; instead, he purposely walked into a probable tempest, intent on delivering a needed message, certain that change would take place.  To this day, more than a decade later, I can recall the details of that conversation with the utmost clarity.  I am grateful Nick was committed to the growth of his team, to the extent that he would initiate hard conversations a lesser leader would avoid.

A final lesson I will share was learned by seeing the value a leader places on investing in developing others.  Before completing my first day at Verizon Wireless, I was resolute that I needed to be involved in the learning and development team.  Unfortunately, I was hired as an inside sales representative.  Furthermore, L&D was a coveted career path, where many people would apply and few would be granted admission.  Regardless, this passion was a fixed target in my mind, and I set about looking for the means to achieve said goal.  Several months later, I had the opportunity to meet Bethany; Bethany was a training supervisor it was suggested I connect with, in order to gain insight on L&D.  After a lengthy conversation (one I am sure Bethany experienced with many interested employees over her career) Bethany offered to help guide me on a path toward realizing my dream.  Over the next 3 years, Bethany became an advocate, a sounding board, a mentor and a friend.

Here is the lesson: a leader understands that untold dividends are paid from the investment of time and energy into another.  As a direct result of her guidance and support, I was ultimately able to achieve the goal I had so long pursued.  Furthermore, as I developed in my new position and career path, Bethany continued to invest in my development, such that I was prepared to take on greater roles and responsibilities.  I am a first-hand beneficiary of a leader committed to investing in developing others.

While there are many more lessons I could share, these three insights, gained through watching leaders in action, stand out as a stark reminder of the responsibility the title “Leader” carries.  What lessons in leadership have you learned from observing others in action?  Share your insight…I would love to learn more!