What is Leadership Re-Imagined? How to Become an Effective Leader
Wednesday, January 18, 2023 - Joe Kiedinger
What does it mean to “re-imagine leadership”? So often, leadership pros and presenters offer tips and tricks with promises to retain employees or gain buy-in. But, let me tell you, there is no quick fix for leaders. The road to becoming an excellent leader is slow and steep, but so worth it!
When I say, “leadership re-imagined,” I mean times have changed. The old top-down, do-as-I-say model does not work anymore. As modern leaders, we need to think again and develop new ways to motivate and care for our employees.
When I was a kid, I witnessed firsthand the effects of old-school leadership on my dad. Barking orders, reprimanding, insane hours without vacation days—they all took a serious toll on him. And that style of leading just doesn’t fly anymore. If we bark orders at our employees, they will walk out—and we’ll lose the respect of everyone else on the team.
Instead, we as leaders need to understand the emotional makeup of a human being—because motivation comes from the heart, not from the head. We must share our own story in order to make it comfortable for our employees to do the same. How else can you learn what motivates your employees if you don’t truly know them? We need to tap into the emotions and motivations of those we lead in order to understand them and drive them.
It’s ok to have warts. In fact, leaders who share their imperfections and struggles with their staff members are more trusted. I struggle with organization and don’t hide that fact from the Prophiteers. Showing some vulnerability humanizes you.
If you’re ready to work on your leadership skills, we have the knowledge and technology to set you on your journey.
JOE KIEDINGER
ACTION PLAN: What small thing can you do today to get to know one of your employees better?