Power isn’t control at all — power is strength, and giving that strength to others. A leader isn’t someone who forces others to make him stronger; a leader is someone willing to give his strength to others that they may have the strength to stand on their own.
– Beth Revis, Across The Universe
Last week I received the most beautiful thank you note. It was a lovely thing to get in itself, but it also reinforced for me just how much power rests in each of us to create change and momentum for another; to begin a new flow in direction, or reinforce a decision. Individually we are capable of creating significant ripples of change even when we don’t realise it.
I suppose that’s my point.
Are you aware of how your every day actions and words influence others, or are you going about your day oblivious to the moments of magic that you, yourself, have the ability to create?
This particular thank you note reminded me of a fabulous Ted Talk by Drew Dudley. Drew’s message about Everyday Leadership is such a vital one in an age of disruption and chaos, where leadership has become synonymous with a job title, business card and/or achieving crazy heights of business (and financial) success.
Drew argues rather than viewing leadership in such traditional and static terms, that the impact that we can unknowingly have on another means we are all leaders – spot on!
Everyday Leadership (and yes, it has become so critical that it deserves capital letters) is a must have in our work toolboxes. It’s about making a conscious decision to have these abilities:
- to walk the talk
- to actively sponsor others
- to intentionally support each other
- to encourage action
- to collaborate and share what you know and who you know to better someone else.
This will secure the future pipeline of leaders.
When we share thoughts, knowledge and ideas openly, with no expectation of anything in return, when we are authentic in our behaviour, words and belief systems, the ability to drive change in others (hopefully for good), whether it is in their actions, ideation or opinions is a powerful thing.
There is no doubt that the naysayers and dream stealers exist. People are, after all, people, as the saying goes. Equally there are those that you inspire who will watch how you react and go about business; who listen to what you say, and what you do, and they will relish that little bit of help and encouragement to pump up their ‘Jetson’s bubble’ of sanity and clarity.
And if that little bit of help – that everyday action – enables others to be safe in the belief that they can achieve their dreams –
Then the power of you is an amazing place to live.
