At a recent leadership network session, a reflective question emerged: “What more can we do to recognise and celebrate leadership?”. This led to a conversation about what great leadership looks like, and how we notice it in action.
Leadership can be described in many ways. It’s sometimes described as a role, a title, a specific set of responsibilities, in other words, what you do. In the same conversation, leadership is described as a behaviour, a mindset, a way of being, in other words how you show up. Leadership can be both—what you do and how you show up.
While formal roles may offer more visible opportunities to demonstrate leadership in action, leadership doesn’t always come with titles or making big decisions or setting the strategy - we can all demonstrate leadership. Some of the most impactful leadership, and the difference this makes to individuals and the community, helps to shape, embody, and sustain culture- a key part of organisational development and success.
Leadership can leave its mark in subtle, yet impactful and memorable ways. In our organisational context, we’re talking about ‘Generous Leadership’ shaped by the qualities of being authentic, empathetic and adaptive. But what does this look like in practice, and what do you notice?
Think about whether someone has ever:
- Created a space for you to grow
- Inspired, motivated and empowered you
- Offered clarity in a period of uncertainty
- Encouraged you to rise to new challenges
- Shown care and compassion for you
- Listened, supported, and challenged you
The list could go on…. part of the challenge is how can we recognise and celebrate the impact that leadership has. If we can do more, what difference might it make to our culture by demonstrating what we value and showing appreciation to those who have supported us?
Here are some suggestions to think about:
- Share your feedback. If someone has made a difference to you and your team through their leadership, tell them. Be specific—what did they do, and how did it make a difference to you personally?
- Tell your story. Use opportunities to share your experience of leadership, what you notice, and the impact this had (what does leading successfully look like? And what doesn’t it look like?).
- Role model what you’ve learned. Sometimes the best way to recognise someone’s leadership is to apply your learning and think about how you would like to show up when you lead. The more we learn, role model, and share with others, the more impact leadership can have.
Who has shown leadership that made a difference to you – and how will you let them know?
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If you’d like to join future conversations on approaches to leadership, we have two upcoming events on the topic of generous leadership:
Respond