(3-minute read)
This article’s title creates a risky proposition – the argument that the entirety of leadership is centered round a single reality. Is it possible to reduce the practice of leadership down to one, solitary element?
Fundamentally, we believe it is. So, what is that one thing? RELATIONSHIPS.
Relationships are at the heart of leading. These can be good; they can be bad, but there must be some sort of relationship for leading to take place.
While this may seem like a painfully obvious and elementary perspective, we would reply with – REALLY?
If it is so obvious and elementary, why isn’t leading a simple endeavor anyone can do well?
The answer to that question requires an appreciation for the complexity that is at the heart of relationships.
Relationships are anything but simple. Rewarding – ‘yes’; simple – ‘not always’. Relationships require work – at times, a lot of work if they are to be really meaningful.
Too often most in leadership miss this. Most leadership efforts are misguided in that they get the proverbial cart before the horse. John Maxwell says, and we agree, “leadership is influence”. While we agree with Maxwell that leadership is influence, we contend that leadership is ABOUT relationships!
Back to the cart and horse analogy. Too many leaders focus on influence. They seek influence like it is some commodity that they can work to acquire. It absolutely is not.
People need relationships; relationships are at the heart of the human existence -it is how we are wired!
The best leaders appreciate this and prioritize relationships in their effort to lead. They gain the influence they need to be effective leaders without actually pursuing it. They realize influence is the result of the healthy relationships they work to pursue.
Relationships are a leader’s investment into the people who are a part of their organization. Influence is the dividend their investment yields.
To learn more about this perspective visit our practice’s Leader Development and Coaching website: LEADERSHIPTEN
