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The 3 Pillars Of Leadership - Managing Change And Leading From Within

The 3 Pillars Of Leadership - Managing Change And Leading From Within
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There's an art to running a sustainable, well performing company of any size -- whether you're a CEO, a senior manager or an entrepreneur. It's not the office walls, the plaque outside or the stationery you have your logo on -- it's the people factor.

More importantly it's the leader factor.

Something powerful happens when change from within is combined with leading from within -- a sense of personal accountability and experience can create connection and engagement across all levels of an organisation. It usually starts from the top down.

Growing a culture that can maintain its values and core performance, and yet be agile with change and new strategy is vital. Regardless of the processes, systems and software in place, the common denominator is people and those that lead the change.

As your experience grows -- so too does the level of responsibility you often undertake. It's all relative. It's standard issue 'leadership squeeze.'

Therefore, what's the secret sauce to great leadership for the long term? As a decision maker within the organisation, you're pushed to the max and hit with a moment that feels like chaos. However you can and need to create an instant calm and know your actions are backing up your words.

No matter what size of business you are running or working within -- there are 3 pillars of that build trust, create unity and empower others.

1. Leading From Within

Creating a positive and lasting culture shift in any organisation requires strategy, vision and a strong action plan - leading from the top down. It does not mean you have to be an expert in all areas of business - contrary to the point.

Great leaders continue to learn and hone their skills, keep informed and look for fresh ideas. They test out their theory, do their research and believe in the plans they are putting in place.

"what lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us" Ralph Waldo Emerson

2. Leading by Example

If you do not walk the talk and demonstrate by example with consistency and integrity, then how can you expect those that work with you, and/or for you to do the same.

Share your why, show the journey and practice what you preach. Are your executive team on board and communicating with clarity and conviction. Are the new policies clearly demonstrated and backed up by examples from senior decision makers?

The second pillar of leadership is to know that we must lead by example.

Testing the plan, using it and ensuring leadership can lead by example, before their lead others is crucial to fast track internal buy in and build credibility.

3. Leading others.

How can you make change, growth and development as seamless as possible, recognised as crucial and get accountability at all levels? By ensuring you have a plan on how you are going to lead others. This is the third pillar of leadership.

When we've truly lead from within and lead by example, we have a clear platform to genuinely lead others. This builds trust and belief across and within teams. People will follow leaders who truly believe in the principles and best practice they are handing down.

Are you staying connected to this initiative and monitoring it's progress, getting feedback and empowering others to implement the changes required?

Great communication, clearly marked out plans and considerations for road blocks at different levels all need to be taken into account.

To wrap this all up: A great leader or entrepreneur can recognise the need to delegate, the values and skills they need around them in their team, and can constantly steep back to evaluate on a daily basis - or by the minute depending on the pace of the business and the challenges at hand.

The ultimate step as a manager or leader, is recognising your actions speak louder than words. Are you asking yourself what it will take to roll out the new value shift/culture or process?

Have you tried and tested the roadmap either yourself or with your senior team and know the 'why' with clarity and conviction. Do you truly believe in the merits and demonstrate this with consistency and lead by example?

Finally above all else - are you able to share your journey, connect authentically and empower others with a strategy that shows you are leading from within?

This element of leadership applies to all projects and at home just as much as in the business. When we find a way to practise what we preach and share experiences with others in ways they can find it relevant and applicable the results can be amazing.

Great leaders don't tell you what to do, they show you how it's done (Anon)

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The DNA Model and 3 Pillars or Leadership are copyright to Nikki Fogden-Moore The Vitality Coach and are part of The Vitality Road Map(TM)

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