The Leader’s Approach to Leading

beautiful female college student sitting in classroom

We all want to be great leaders, but all great leaders use this strategy

 

How Leaders Approach Learning

Leaders from all walks of life and all time periods have understood that to lead, we must follow.

To be great leaders, we must first be great students.

This rings true for leaders of movements like Nelson Mandela or Martin Luther King Jr, to leaders of governments like Barak Obama to leaders of organizations like the late Steve Jobs or a Richard Branson.

When asked “Anybody of whom you are still in awe?” Richard Branson responded: “That has to be the Archbishop Tutu.”

With this example, we can see that even a wildly successful billionaire still has people he looks up to and learns from.

Also evident is the quality of person Branson looks up to. Desmond Tutu was one of the leaders, along with Nelson Mandela in the multi-decade fight against apartheid in South Africa.

 

Here the two of them chat about success on Branson’s island in the British Virgin Islands…

 

Why School is Just the Start of Education

As seen in the video, these guys aren’t fresh out of college.

Branson is in his 60’s and the Archbishop is in his 80’s. Both great leaders understand that lifelong learning is a core component to progress, success and leadership.

These days, real life education of getting your hands dirty with projects, events, and programs is often far more valuable than a few letters behind your name.

Results matter and the best and fastest way to better results is through doing.

Do.Learn.Grow.Do Better.Fail.Learn.Grow.Do Better.

 

What You Can Do Right Now

1. Commit to being a student first, leader second.

2. Commit to lifelong learning, just like the pro’s.

3. Commit to stepping in the ring, and have faith that you’ll figure it out as you go.

 

Final Thoughts

I remember my first time being attacked as a leader of a group. I had made some decisions that really offended someone and they lashed out with some intense emotions via multiple emails. It was a really uncomfortable feeling, especially as my intention was not to harm anyone. I sought guidance from mentors and in the end could not resolve the issue the way I wanted to. I had to focus on my intention going in to the situation which I was confident was good and accept the fact that as leaders, we put ourselves in vulnerable positions. In studying others, I’ve learned not to engage and to build a strong support system to be able to handle similar situations in the future.

Leadership takes strength and courage, so do as the great leaders have done for many generations.

Be a Student.

Then be a Leader.

Then go out there and Rock It as you know you can.

 

All Green Lights,

Brent - Signature v2

 

 

 

 

 

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