Happy Friday, Team!
I hope you have enjoyed your week, and as we enter this Memorial Day weekend, you can have some downtime and a fun time. As for me, I will be working a little, spreading the word about LSSSC, and bragging about all you do daily. You are some of the best employees in the world, and many of you are leaders at your various sites. Today, as I reflect on the recent Strategic Offsite meeting, I smile as I think of many of the leaders, I had the pleasure of meeting and sharing a laugh. You all rock, and I am so happy you decided to make LSSSC your home.
Speaking of Leadership, that is the topic I want to talk about today. Back in the day, people would say that leaders were born, which then changed to say, No, leaders can be developed. Finally, some agreed that leaders can be both. Some of you know that my entire study background is that of Leadership. One degree is focused on Strategic Leadership, whereas another is simply Leadership. So, I have been studying Leadership for quite some time.
As I visit various sites and talk to different employees, I am fascinated by listening to them and seeing their diverse leadership styles.
Some have the belief that a title makes a person a leader. Although titles certainly give one positional authority, it does not help the development of a trusting relationship with employees. Positional power gives you the authority to influence behaviors because of what your position allows you to do. What I mean is employees may follow the positional leader but not buy into that leader’s vision. Why? Because a positional leader often leads without considering others, they lack collaboration skills, courage, and creativity.
As CEO, the executive leadership team and I can influence employees simply by pulling rank. That type of authority might be necessary at times, but it won’t win the hearts and minds of the people. Titles will only get you so far. However, Personal Leadership is much more magnetic and relates to the individual irrespective of their position. We all gravitate towards charismatic people who can walk into a room and make each person feel like the most important person. They are so comfortable in their skin that they can focus their attention outward, inspiring others and bringing out the best in them. These are the leaders who most of us would follow anywhere. A leader with personal authority will garner more commitment and support from employees. Why? Because personal power comes from your character and your skills. Personal Leadership is your ability to lead within oneself, while Positional Leadership is the ability to lead based on one’s position or rank in an organization.
At LSSSC, I want leaders who understand the difference. I want leaders who develop trusting, caring, and supportive relationships with those they lead. Plus, what I am asking is scriptural. In Matthew 20:25-28, Jesus tells His disciples that leaders should not exercise authority over people. Instead, whoever wants to become great must lower himself to be a servant. Remember, Godly leaders are servant leaders. They are committed to using their gifts, intellect, talents, and passions to make others great, lift others, and transform others.
So, commit to yourself today to do all you can to be a leader representing the organization well. You will work to ensure all voices are heard, and people feel that you care. That’s my commitment to you, and I hope you will do the same. God bless you this Memorial Day weekend. Happy Friday.
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