Rule #1 Leadership isn’t Easy
Being a leader is so much harder than it looks. It’s not easy however it’s definitely worth it. This is why I am today so passionate about advising entrepreneurs, SME’s and leaders.
I didn’t realise how important leadership was until I started working in a space where I was teaching and coaching it. I saw the difference it made. It is been the most important part of how I lead my business too. Why? Because we lead the culture and culture eats strategy for breakfast.
There might be thousand’s of books on leadership and I have contributed two to the world myself. They don’t really teach you leadership at school do they either? What’s difficult about leadership is that nobody ever sits you down and “teaches” you what being a real leader is all about. Even in the higher education arenas, leadership is reduced to most of the time who is going to talk the most during a presentation. And even on sports teams, the leaders are usually the best players.
But that’s not what being a leader is all about. Especially when it comes to building a business or leading a team.
This is what I have since learned about leadership and what makes it so incredibly difficult.
Leadership really has nothing to do with the title or role you hold.
The moment you start your own company, with employees, overheads, KPI’s and cash flow to manage, and people’s lives dependent upon you and your ability to provide for the company, you suddenly realise how many “I want to be a leader or an entrepreneur” are out there. They want to call themselves a CEO more than they actually want to build a working company. They want to talk about raising huge amounts of money instead of questioning how they could achieve the same result on their own. They want to be seen as a leader instead of mastering the one thing that actually makes a leader a real leader.
Courage…
Courage to know that it isn’t easy and keep moving forward.
It’s the ability to be courageous when times are tough.
When everyone else is stressed, you’re courageous.
When everyone else is out of gas, you inject more courage.
When everyone else doesn’t know what to do next, you lead by example.
When times are uncertain, you stay courageous and real.
When someone has an issue, you work with and listen to the person on a personal level.
This is where most leaders fail, and I see it happen every single day. The moment someone moves into a position of leadership, the person believes that everyone else should accommodate his or her needs–when actually it’s the opposite.
As a leader, it’s up to you to put yourself second, and operate in a way that allows others to feel at ease and safe, to feel understood, and to work in the way that’s best for them–even if it’s not the way you operate. As a leader, you role is to inspire them learn more, be more and do more.
Here’s why leadership is so tough
What makes this mentality so difficult is that, in every capacity, it asks that you, as a leader, put yourself last.
It’s a removal of the ego. You can’t just rage out of impatience, or get upset because other people aren’t working the way you want them to work. You can’t show your frustration–even if everyone else is. You can’t sit back and complain when times get tough. You have to be the positive force that changes the tide.
You, as a leader, have to take a step back from your impulsive, emotional reactions, and instead operate from a place of calm understanding, kindness and courage. And that’s a skill that isn’t taught in school or clubs, or even on sports teams.
It’s learned through watching and learning from others closely who embody these traits and also building your own inner courage and strength.
And it’s learned through diligent self-inquiry and reflection, and constantly practicing the art of being resilient, passionate and brave.
Leadership isn’t easy and sometimes we need help. I am always here.
Stay Kind. Stay Courageous.
Sonia x
FOUNDER | ADVISOR | KEYNOTE SPEAKER | AUTHOR
Sonia works one on one with CEO’s of Multi-National organisations and advisory boards to start up enterprise, facilitating in-office workshops with entrepreneurs, emerging leaders and supporting companies and businesses through cultural transformation and positive wide behavioural change.
Sonia’s performance-based approach enables businesses to elevate their brand position. Working within companies, she forges united and loyal teams across divisions, and cultivates pioneering leaders based on a strategic foundation that builds a mindset for success.
Sonia has been a keynote speaker for over a decade and has delivered presentations to a thousands of people all over the world. Renowned for her candid rhetoric, personable insights and fierce business acumen, her presentations and books have transformed how people worldwide conduct themselves as leaders.
Sonia relishes every event that collectively effect a positive mindset for change and growth.
If you would like to empower your team, event or mentor an emerging leader or entrepreneur. Contact 1300 719 665 or email the team at sonia@soniamcdonald.com.au for a tailored strategy.
