Teamwork: winning means finishing together
Leadership means a team-focused mentality
I was 19 years old, undergoing basic training for the Canadian military in Cornwallis, Nova Scotia. One day, during our 7-mile march in full gear, we found ourselves seemingly in the middle of nowhere. The corporal leading us was setting a strong pace, leaving a few lagging behind. Feeling confident and fit, I decided to challenge him. I sprinted ahead, passing him with a look of total surprise on his face. Determined not to be outdone, he quickly caught up and passed me, igniting a silent race between us.
For miles, we traded the lead back and forth, each driven by sheer determination.
Upon returning to camp, we realized we had left the rest of the troop far behind. We hurried back to join them as they crested the final hill. I expected cheers for my competitive spirit, but instead, I was met with disappointment. I had neglected my responsibility to set a steady pace for the whole troop in my eagerness to challenge the corporal. I had focused only on winning, forgetting the capabilities of others.
Over twenty-five years later, that lesson still resonates with me: true success in any group effort lies in finishing together, supporting each other every step of the way. Personal bests are important, but leadership and success are most fulfilling when shared. Helping others succeed alongside you enhances the journey. By coaching and guiding others, you empower them to become leaders in their own right.
In today’s fast-paced business world, where efficiency is paramount, leadership must embrace a team-focused mentality. In my experience, had there been a leader focused on nurturing our confidence and collective success, rather than personal glory, the outcome would have been different. Leadership isn’t about self-promotion; it’s about empowering others to achieve higher levels of competence.
Effective frontline leaders serve their teams with professionalism and proficiency. They involve their team in decision-making, offer guidance, and encourage learning from mistakes. Sadly, many workplaces lack a culture of learning and leadership. Fear of punitive management stifles innovation and productivity. True leaders create environments where people feel secure enough to take risks and think creatively.
Leadership is deeply personal and reflective of one’s values and actions. Effective leaders exhibit qualities like self-confidence, enthusiasm, motivational prowess, clear vision, accountability, interpersonal skills, effective communication, and passion. These attributes fuel success and inspire teams to achieve beyond expectations.
Remember, leadership isn’t about personal accolades; it’s about achieving collective goals through empowering those entrusted to you. It’s about developing your team’s capabilities so they can shine. True leadership isn’t sprinting ahead for others to admire your speed; it’s fostering an environment where others are motivated to lead from the front, showcasing their own strengths.
Action Points:
- Prioritize Team Success: Focus on helping the entire team achieve success, rather than seeking personal accolades. Leadership is about collective accomplishment.
- Foster a Learning Culture: Create a safe environment where mistakes are seen as learning opportunities. Encourage your team to take risks and think creatively without fear of failure.
- Lead by Empowering Others: Develop the strengths and confidence of those around you. True leadership is about helping others grow, so they too can lead effectively.
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Paul Kearley is a professional leadership, communications and sales coach for businesspeople who are taking command of their career and making an impact. He has worked as a business coach and trainer, Virtual Trainer, and speaker since 1985.
To see eBooks Paul has written, go here: https://payhip.com/PKWalktheTalk
