Introduction:
In the past 15 years, leadership has become a focal point in Western workplaces, sparking ongoing debates about what truly defines great leadership. This article cuts straight to the heart of the matter, focusing on principles that are both straightforward and actionable. All leaders are visionaries, but the true measure of leadership lies in how far their vision extends.
Put simply: Above the line leaders serve a vision that extends beyond themselves. Below the line leaders do not.
BELOW THE LINE LEADERSHIP SYMPTOMS
1) The Inability to Recognize That Their Psychology Is the Chokehold of the Business
One of the most insidious traps for a leader is failing to recognize that their own mindset can be the biggest obstacle to their business’s success. Every time you blame external factors, you relinquish control and limit your potential for growth. Remember, the real chokehold on your business is often your own psychology.
2) The Belief That Money Should Be Enough to Incentivize Their Team
True leadership is about connecting people to a shared vision of the future. Your role as a leader is to inspire, not dominate. Relying solely on money and salary to motivate your team is short-sighted. Due to hedonic adaptation, financial incentives lose their power over time. Remember, your team members are not mere cogs in a machine; they need a deeper connection to the vision to stay motivated.
3) Focusing on Tasks First, People Second
Many business owners ask, “Why isn’t this employee as engaged as I am?” The answer often lies in the employee’s connection—or lack thereof—to the vision. Your job is to find what resonates with them and position them within the organization so they can fully engage with that aspect of the vision. People need to feel connected to the purpose behind the work, not just the tasks themselves.
ABOVE THE LINE LEADERSHIP SYMPTOMS
1) Storytelling
Above the line leaders are driven by a vision that transcends their personal interests. Their power lies in their ability to communicate this vision through compelling storytelling, which inspires and mobilizes others. It’s not just about telling people what to do; it’s about painting a picture of a future where everyone has a role in making it a reality.
Consider this: “If you do this task, you’ll earn more money”—not exactly an inspiring vision. Now imagine, “Our work together is building a legacy, shaping a future that we can all be proud of.” If your team is only motivated by money, it might be because you, as a storyteller, haven’t offered them anything more inspiring. Remember, human beings didn’t follow leaders like King Leonidas, Marcus Aurelius, Martin Luther King Jr., or Gandhi for financial reward. They followed the vision these leaders embodied.
2) People First, Outcomes Second
The greatest leaders empower those around them to fully engage with their contribution to the vision. They do this by giving their followers three essential gifts:
- Authorship: The ability to design how they work.
- Love: Genuine care for their well-being.
- Significance: A deep sense that their contributions are valued, and by extension, that they are valued.
3) The Bringing Together of People’s Agendas
Once your team members are connected to the vision and positioned to engage with it, it’s time to bring their efforts together. Different aspects of the vision will resonate with different team members. To build a cohesive and motivated team, tell a story that fosters trust, respect, and appreciation among all members. This is where effective team meetings, trust-building workshops, and similar initiatives come into play—they’re crucial for moving the needle.
Conclusion
Leadership, like any aspect of life, ultimately comes down to one fundamental choice: selflessness versus selfishness. As a leader, ask yourself these three crucial questions:
- What is the vision?
- How do my team members contribute to it?
- How connected are they to each other’s success?
Reflect on these deeply, and let the answers guide your growth as a leader. The effectiveness of your leadership depends on how well you can transcend your own interests and inspire those around you.
If this resonates with you, let’s have a conversation here.
Max. High-Performance Coach
