WORKWEEK

I named my newsletter Leader’s Lens because leadership is a perspective, not a position.

🕶 Leader’s look at the world around them and believe they can make a difference. They are the people who take time to look at the things in their control and dedicate themselves to making the world a better place.

Leader’s believe in the potential of themselves and others. They have influence, but they don’t manipulate. They face obstacles, but they are resilient. They are scared, but they get started anyway.

Leadership is a big deal.

The Ripple Effect of Leadership

I spent a lot of time bouncing around between entry level jobs after graduating college. I started to see the impact bosses have on a person’s life. What stood out the most was the impact leaders could have changing someone’s life trajectory.

I’ve had the privilege of working under bosses who were not just managers but mentors. These individuals didn’t just assign tasks–they instilled confidence. Teams didn’t just meet targets; they exceeded them. And this impact extended outside of the office. The confidence and empowerment were carried home, spilling over into family dinners, community events, and personal relationships.

The people on their teams worked harder, became problem solvers, and were more likely to start believing they could make a difference.

They were better people because of who they worked for.

Leaders make leaders

When you look at the world through a Leader’s Lens, you understand the value of empowering the people around you and helping them build on their strengths. You understand that a raised tide will lift all ships, and that you will personally benefit from taking time to invest in the people around you.

Leaders make leaders is a simple concept, but is powerful in practice. When you empower those around you, you’re not just building a team. 

You’re building a legacy. 

The Leader’s Lens Toolkit

So, how do you practically apply the Leader’s Lens in your day-to-day life? It’s one thing to understand the philosophy of leadership, but it’s another to put it into action. Here are some actionable steps you can take:

Listen Actively: The first step in empowering others is to listen. Not just hear, but learn to see them deeply. Understand the aspirations, fears, and values of those around you. This will not only make them feel valued but also give you insights into how best to lead them.

Celebrate Small Wins: Recognize and celebrate the small victories. This boosts morale, encourages resilience, and shows your team that progress is being made, even if it’s incremental.

Invest in Development: Take the time to understand the career goals of your team members. Offer opportunities for skill development and provide constructive feedback to help them grow.

Be Resilient and Show It: Your team looks up to you. Your ability to bounce back from setbacks sets the tone for your team. Show resilience, and your team will emulate it.

Empower Decision-Making: Allow your team members to make decisions. This not only boosts their confidence but also frees you to focus on strategic leadership tasks.

Speak Words of Affirmation: Never underestimate the power of positive words. A simple “I believe in you” can go a long way in boosting someone’s confidence and performance.

Reflect and Adjust: Regularly take a step back to assess your leadership style. Are you empowering your team? Are you leading by example? Make adjustments as needed, and don’t hesitate to seek feedback from your team.

By incorporating these practical steps into your leadership approach, you’re adopting a new way of seeing the world. 

You’re committing to a leadership style that prioritizes people, understands the power of influence, and seeks to leave a lasting impact.

The Journey Ahead

Leadership is not a destination. It is a journey. And like any journey, it comes with its share of challenges and triumphs. But when you view the world through the Leader’s Lens, every challenge becomes an opportunity for growth, and every triumph becomes a stepping stone for future successes.

Thank you for joining me on this journey. 

Here’s to empowering each other, creating a ripple effect of positive change, and transforming lives one leader at a time.