For all those attempting to make themselves better leaders, or to improve the leadership of their organizations, BUILT TO LEAD has a simple way to think about the attributes at the “hub,” or center, of transformational leadership:
H stands for “HOPE”–Transformational leaders inspire us with a compelling vision of a more hopeful future linked to the core identity and purpose of the enterprise.
U stands for “UNITY”–Great leaders align and integrate people, processes, and scarce resources into ONE unit capable of delivering the promise of the organization with consistency and impact.
B stands for “BELIEF”– Authentic leaders attract us, and rally us, to their core belief in themselves, in the team, and in the mission and vision.
Radiating out from these three attributes, like spokes in a bicycle wheel, are other attributes that define what we need leaders for:
Vision and Inspiration build HOPE so that we can keep moving forward without despair, in spite of the inevitable challenges life throws our way. HOPE builds continuity–staying power–in the face of adversity.
Trust and Alignment build UNITY to transform mere “groups” into unified teams of like-minded, whole-hearted people united behind a common cause.
UNITY is the root of community.
The leader’s personal engagement with his or her CORE builds BELIEF about life and why we’re here, who we are as human beings, and how we choose to live and work together. The confidence and credibility that flow from BELIEF are the leader’s only authentic means to attract and hold the committed best from others.
That’s the HUB of leadership.
Simple? Yes.
Easy? No. (But you knew that already).
Organizational vision requires personal vision. To inspire others you must be inspired yourself. And where does trust come from except from personal trustworthiness? Go ahead, just try to align others when you are not aligned yourself, or to gain their buy-in when you, yourself, are not engaged.
Authentic leadership is a craft–an occupation requiring skill gained in study, learning, and application.
Whether we choose to lead others well rests on a decision: will we choose to lead ourselves well first?
Leaders must be BUILT to LEAD.
Are you BUILT to LEAD?
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BUILT TO LEAD 