Outward Focused Commitments
I’ve written for the last few weeks about common leaders doing uncommon things. In this blog, I identify the outward focused commitments associated with the leader doing uncommon things. We often miss their inward focused actions because they are unseen, but we can clearly see the impact of their leadership and efforts when they are focused on others. As you read these today, I hope you’ll identify individuals in your life that have lived this out in front of you:
They are Committed to Community
It’s Aristotle who argues that one’s character is at some level shaped by their community. It is the old phrase “Birds of a feather…” We all know the end of the phrase, but do we really consider the impact our community has on us? Do we stop to recognize the power of those with whom we spend our lives? Are they negative or positive people? Are they scattered or disciplined? Are their relationships uplifting and worth modeling, or are they destructive, degrading, and dehumanizing? Your community will eventually shape who you are and how you treat those around you.
The leader doing uncommon things places a high value on building and being involved in a healthy community. They recognize their role and responsibility in making their community better for everyone. In large part, they are motivated by the understanding that others will come behind them and that they have a responsibility for the next generation. This leads us to our next point.
They are Committed to Mentoring/Coaching (Investment in others)
The leader doing uncommon things has a clear understanding of the value of mentorship, teaching, and coaching. They care deeply about passing on the information and knowledge that was so willingly shared with them when they were younger. They want to, almost need to, share their wisdom and knowledge with others.
They are Committed to Collaboration
These leaders understand that great things are not done individually, but in collaboration with others. By working collaboratively, they can solve more complex problems. It is in the listening, learning, and working together that the ideas and solutions spring forth allowing great leaders to emerge. Yet, they also know that collaboration will mean that sometimes they will need to forfeit the recognition and praise.
While these ideas are easy to understand, they can and are often difficult to implement. Let’s be honest, it’s always challenging to do the work and allow someone else receive the praise, but that’s what leaders often do.
You see, the challenge for any leader is moving from the complex to the attainable, moving to actions that are replicable and being courageous enough to start. Don’t wait, start now. You can do uncommon things!
