Lead to Last

Of the many leadership conferences and meetings, I’ve sat in on, the core content often tipped toward how to be an effective leader. And that was over ten years ago when I was working in the corporate world. Scrolling through online business articles, it’s apparent that the topic of effective leadership is an ongoing cycle. According to general online searches between yesteryear and today, leaders are still recognized by their superlative attributes. To name a few: charisma, confidence, high IQ, vision-oriented, risk-taker, decisive, motivated, and resilient. It’s a tall order but if a leader’s goal is to motivate a team to harness the vision, these traits are supportive to the effort because the proverbial truth is, without a vision, the people perish.

Since I left the corporate galaxy in exchange for a little home office, I am sequestered from a professional community and therefore, I am not associated with a leader shepherding an organization. Although I may not be privy to the standard leadership model within a huge corporation, that does not exclude me from the influence of leadership. There is always a need for a sovereign voice of encouragement, especially when it comes to motivational growth; whether professional or personal. But for those of us working remotely, outside the walls of a corporate edifice, the dynamics of leadership diminish.

While there are competent individuals positioned to lead, there is another type of leader from a different paradigm. Those we do life with.From my inner circle, there are influencers who have innate skills that deem them as natural born leaders. Given they have no formal training, they’re not about rules and regulations or procedures and policies but about putting others first. What typifies them as effective leaders stems from their unadulterated humility. When practiced, humility builds trust and underscores the value of others. It is the gravitational pull when it comes to fostering harmonious relationships which in turn, establishes community.  

One from my circle of influencers is Judy Seligman, author of “…and God Formed the Woman.” Her book, on submission, gives us a glimpse on how humility can be our greatest strength to press beyond life’s most difficult challenges. To interact with Judy is to experience a leadership prototype that is rare. She inspires the heart, provokes curiosity and elicits the best out of others by demonstrating three fundamental traits.

Knowledgeable. Judy is well informed about her passion on Biblical studies. Because of the time invested in learning the sixty-six chapters of God’s beloved Word, Judy is equipped to be a definitive resource. She comprehends every nut and bolt about her topic and imparts what she knows with accuracy. Ask Judy anything regarding faith-based matters and she points to the facts. Furthermore, Judy’s life experience has contributed to her understanding of the written Word. Thus, because Judy is well informed, she is poised to share the truth with assurance.

Transparency. To be transparent is to be authentic. Authenticity is to have an open and honest heart which is one of Judy’s notable attributes. It takes integrity to be transparent because leaders who are transparent are credible. They know how to follow through, commit and build trust. And trust fosters healthy relationships which in turn, connects us all to a greater purpose outside of ourselves. Thus, being authentic removes barriers and builds community. In short, we all want to belong.

Lateral Communications. Of the many reasons I can talk with Judy at length, is due to her mode of communication. Rather than speaking from a hierarchical stance, Judy communicates laterally. She conveys from across; not from above. As with most, people don’t want to be preached to or talked down to. People want to be heard. More so, they want to be understood. And conversations are the shared channels in which we connect and therefore, how we communicate influences the essence of the relationship. When sharing information, thoughts and ideas, speaking eye-to-eye and heart-to-heart are what fosters a healthy rapport. Nothing keeps a seamless discussion flowing more than speaking from a level plane. When Judy shares in conversation, she considers the thoughts of others first; what’s on their minds and what pulls at their heartstrings. And whether there are differing opinions, Judy believes everyone is entitled to their own beliefs. She would much rather reach a win-win than win an argument. Hence, empowered leaders communicate with grace.

From his book, “Good to Great,” Jim Collins found that those who are self-effacing, quiet, reserved and even shy make for impressive leaders. He further says that they are a paradoxical blend of personal humility and professional will. Yet, it’s the quote from one of the more distinguished leaders, C.S. Lewis, that sums it up, “humility is not thinking less of yourself but thinking of yourself less.” And leaders, who acknowledge others before themselves, often end up first. They are the leaders that last.