What is leadership?

As told by The Brothers that just do Gutters Senior Solutionist©, Ken Parsons.

Leadership is defined as “a person who guides or directs a group.”

It is very often a quality that most are not born with, but something you develop. However, we do all possess natural leadership abilities that can aid in our growth towards becoming a leader. Because of the natural abilities we do posses, gaining leadership skills is something that is often very attainable for most people with some work. For some it takes more work than others, specifically those whose natural skills are stronger in this area. Our job at hand, as business owners, is to first make sure to develop our own abilities as leaders, so that we can then translate these skills into influencing others on our team, so they can then learn how to develop their own leadership skills. This is something that takes time, practice and education.

In order to see external results in your organization, and your team, internal changes need to be made as you invest in yourself. The faster you learn how to positively change and adapt to your surroundings, the faster you will see external results in your organization.

Trying to wear all the hats in your business can be very demanding and stressful and this stress can lead to bigger problems long term if you are unable to practice strategies that help you to get through it productively. Exercising leadership is a great way to get through this.

Two extremes when it comes to leadership types:

1. Dictatorial Standpoint: This form of leadership is exactly what it sounds like. The manager acts like a dictator and makes all decisions.
   • Long term people do not respond very well to this because they like to be treated fairly and feel appreciated. They enjoy being a part of a team, being treated as an equal, and contributing to this team.
   • This method is often not the most efficient or productive.
2. Servant Leadership: The servant-leader shares power, puts the needs of others first and helps people develop and perform as highly as possible.
   • Lead by example – if you want things done properly or a certain way follow the systems that are in place and show them how it is done. They can then train new guys.
   • This type of leadership can truly help to create a positive work environment and team members that are invested in your business, long term.

To take the lead, you first need to take the first step. As you begin to serve, your team will follow. As you invest in your team, leaders will form who will begin to take some responsibility from you which then contributes to your team hitting their goals, as you also help them hit their personal goals!

“There is a profound difference between management and leadership, and both are important. To manage means to bring about, to accomplish, to have charge of or responsibility for, to conduct. Leading is influencing, guiding in a direction, course, action, opinion. The distinction is crucial” – Warren Bennis