Continuing a Legacy of Ethical Leadership

The true test of your leadership is after you have gone. Do you remain in the hearts of your followers? Is the baton passed on to follow the vision or does it die with you? We see today, people are still being inspired by the world's greatest leaders. Their influence seems to be strengthened in their absence. I lost one of my managers a couple of years ago and I can't seem to forget him or the legacy he left behind. Sometimes I'll browse through saved e-mails from him and think how awesome a person he was.

The following are 5 Common Qualities of Managers who lead:

1. Integrity & Authenticity go hand in hand - Great leaders are known for the ethical principles they stand on and their actions promote these values. My manager, Joseph showed unwavering integrity and accountability. He was honest with employees even though this trait was sometimes unpopular with top management. He often took the slack for his team. Great leaders will have the courage of their convictions and the willpower to see it through. Authenticity acts as a catalyst that earns the respect of employees. Authenticity builds trust, and followers love leaders they can trust.

2. Humility is a critical leadership success factor. Leading with humility means focusing on others and practicing the servant leadership. True leaders always aim to serve rather than be served. Joseph was humble. Being humble makes you more approachable to your followers and allows you to create an environment of open communication and more effective feedback. A true leader is one who is humble enough to admit their mistake. They are not afraid to seek assistance or say when they don't know. Leaders that share the credit and don't blame others for problems are more respected by their team. Such leaders seek honest feedback about themselves and their leadership.

3. Communication - Leadership has been described as "a process of social influence in which a person can enlist the aid and support of others in the accomplishment of a common goal." Therefore two way communication is key to leadership success. Great leaders are great communicators. Joseph was quick to listen and slow to speak. We never heard of upcoming changes via the grapevine. He always kept us in the loop. Great leaders are also able to communicate their vision in such a way that motivates their team. Joseph had our full support and was able to get everyone on board.

"If you want to build a ship, don't drum up the men to gather wood, divide the work, and give orders. Instead, teach them to yearn for the vast and endless sea. " Antoine de Saint-Exupery

4. Inspiration- Inspirational Leadership is about energizing and creating a sense of direction and purpose for employees and excitement and momentum to achieve goals. Inspirational leaders are capable of taking an organization and people to new heights. They are able to get followers to do tasks even without a title. They recognize individuals' achievements, knowledge and capabilities and openly praise their employees. Joseph saw qualities in me I didn't know I had. Words such as 'Good work team, you are the best", "I trust your judgment," "Well done" were at the top of his dictionary. Having confidence in your employees makes them feel empowered.

5. Relationship Building - They put people first. They cultivate heart-centred communication and connect with others. Be present in the moment. Be interested in your team. Practice deep listening more than talking. There is nothing more powerful than witnessing a leader who genuinely engages with their team. Joseph possessed high Emotional Intelligence. He showed empathy. Empathy allows leaders to develop and maintain relationships with those they lead. Leaders that possess this trait always make time for people. Many organizations are focused on achieving goals no matter what the cost to employees. Great leaders are concerned about getting the job done as well as the well-being of those under their care. They are supportive of their employees' development.

Team spirit was high during Joseph's reign. He made everyone feel valued and appreciated. Joseph had the title of a manager but the heart of a leader. It is a rare individual who excels in both managing and leading. Joseph did, but it was not appreciated in a bureaucratic organization. Managers are trapped in the confines of the box within the system. If managers overstep their bounds and attempt to challenge the existing culture, they may soon find themselves out of a job. Eventually Joseph was removed from his position and transferred to a back office function. Shortly after, he was diagnosed with cancer and within 2 years he was gone.

Managers are forgotten, but leaders live on in the hearts and minds of their followers long after they have gone. If you want to leave a legacy, invest in people.

Do you have such a manager that made an impact on your life?

Check out my new book :

Purpose Driven Leadership: Building and Fostering Effective Teams

This book is a practical guide to becoming a great leader and putting together a high performing team. Everything we do in life involves teamwork in some form – family, marriage, community and work. Your leadership vision is only sustainable via team effort.

To Your continued Success!

Cheers! 🍸🍹🍑🍒🍇



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Source: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/manager-who-could-lead-leaving-leadership-legacy-brigette-hyacinth

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