Takeaways

  • Leadership isn’t a job title, it is the way we influence and motivate others
  • Admitting when you are wrong, that it didn’t go how you were hoping, or that you felt it was right but now see how it wasn’t, breeds confidence
  • Find ways to elevate those around us and emulate the support we personally value

Simon Sinek, a name I suspect most of you have already heard of, wrote the book “Leaders Eat Last” in 2014. Although over 10 years old now, one recent morning I was scrolling through my feed when I saw this YouTube Short.

We have all seen those graphics where there’s a boss directing where to move something, compared to the leader helping the workers. This demonstrates servant leadership, and can be highly effective and often a contributing factor to success. The rising tide raises all ships, as they say. This video (and book) inspired me to write this blog about what I have learned from others through pivotal times in my life.

Boss-Vs.-Leader-Graphic

Source: Jake Tuber, “Junk Meme, Boss vs. Leader”

Humility Breeds Confidence

Admitting fault is a rare and often uncomfortable skill. While we all know someone who could use a dose of humility, it's worth examining the concept without negative bias… for ourselves and others.

A good friend of mine, Justin “Knox” Surratt, was a big contributor to my leadership learning curve growing up. He was a man who needed to know everything in the best way possible. He was an academic, curious and an intellect whom I looked up to. He could talk about anything and everything — we often called his rants “knox-isms.” My point in mentioning him is that he was always willing to learn. And, knowledge comes with the cost of being wrong or confused from time to time.

If we could all see the future or know that the decisions we make are correct, there wouldn’t be car accidents, failing businesses, etc. Sometimes we are just plain wrong — and that’s okay! Hindsight is 20/20. Knox once said to me, “Sometimes you just need to make the call. The people you work with or keep around you are always watching — whether they idolize you and you inspire them, or they’re praying for your downfall.” Knox was a cynic, if that wasn't already clear. "Make the decision that feels right, and own it."

Admitting when you are wrong, that it didn’t go how you were hoping, or that you felt it was right but now see how it wasn’t, breeds confidence. This confidence is formed from others in your life and work, as well as yourself. Giving yourself the grace to make mistakes, owning it and finding a way to fix it helps grow that lesson within others. This point, that humility breeds confidence, is a powerful lesson that doesn’t come overnight. It needs to be nurtured by success, failure, some disgruntled opinions of who you are and the ability to keep going despite all odds that may oppose you.

Share the Spotlight

Last summer, our Digital Media team hosted presentations for the entire company consisting of best practices or summaries of professional development opportunities we did. One of our interns was going to be presenting first. Knowing how important the support of others was for me early in my professional career, I put on my Servant Leadership cap by working ahead on my morning tasks so we could run through their presentation until they built up their confidence and shook off those early nerves.

They crushed their live presentation, with many accolades to go around afterwards. I also made sure we did a social media post on their presentation so they can look back on it and be proud of what they accomplished. As teammates, it’s important for us to find ways to elevate those around us and emulate the support we personally value.

Who Brought Out YOUR Very Best?

“Managers exist to bring those entrusted to them to greater heights – and personal and professional achievements. Developing talent and managing toward results IS the job. Pay it forward. Ask no less of the next generation than was asked of you in your development.

Coaching — and managing — is a headache-inducing, tireless game. So, if you’re a manager, embrace your noble duty and remember that the aptitude of your staff — even if they don’t appreciate it today — rests in your ability to motivate, direct and bring out their very best. 

And if you’re on the other end, recognize the role and responsibility of those overseeing you, and why they might be inclined to get in your grill now and again and hold you accountable — for both your personal and professional gain.”

— Mike Lessiter, President of Lessiter Media

Start Your “Katie Gold” Folder

My mother told my sister and me about this girl she went to school with whom she idolized. Katie Gold fits the metaphor, 'a heart of gold,’ it seems. This girl hated no one, spoke to everyone — no matter the silly hierarchy of popularity — and always made sure people felt included. When we went out of our way to make sure someone was included, cared for or mentioned, she would call those our “Katie Gold Moments.”

I remember telling my manager at Lessiter Media about the “Katie Gold folder” early in my career, and she said she thought it was a great idea for everyone to save and remember those moments. I began uploading a Katie Gold folder for each member of our team, and regularly like to pull those out to remind them of those moments. When we do good things and get recognized for it, obviously it feels good. Some days we just aren’t at our 100% or feel our most confident, and those memories can help us become reenergized. This folder is meant to inspire and remind them that we matter, we are recognized and that our hard work means something. Fill each other’s Katie Gold folders!

Lessiter Media also rings a bell for outstanding work done by staff. Everyone gathers around and celebrates the wins, no matter how big or small. It’s a great way to support one another and learn how we are all contributing to the bigger picture, and see who has the strongest bell ringing arm on staff!

Leadership isn’t a job title, it is the way we influence and motivate others. Our impact can be as simple as daily moments building others up or as large as grand gestures. No matter how we go about it, it’s important to show up and walk alongside those we are working with. How we lead is just as important as why we lead.

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