We talked a while ago about leadership myth #1: that leaders think that they cannot show any vulnerability or be anything less than perfect; but how the reality is that showing vulnerability builds trust, a fundamental component of great leadership.
We then talked about leadership myth #2: that you need to have some sort of inspiring back story in order to be a leader, when the reality is being true to yourself and doing it authentically and genuinely every day is as powerful.
The next myth I want to bust is that you need to be oozing charisma in order to be a great leader. You might be thinking of Barack Obama or Martin Luther King or Richard Branson; the great orators who command the room just via their presence.
The thing is – leadership is more than the stirring speeches. Do they help? Of course. But are they the full story? Not at all.
Once again, it is more about who you are and what you do, every day, that matters; not your ability to rouse people with a passionate and inspiring speech.
Professor Peter Hawkins has a great model that suggests three elements to build confidence: Authority, Presence and Impact
Authority: This comes from the past, it comes from what you know, and through what you have achieved and experienced in the past (including academic qualifications, experiences and experience, projects, writing, involvement on bodies and with NFP organisations and boards etc).
Presence: This is the now; and comes through commanding respect; and through relating well to others in the moment. This is about building rapport, being fully present, having passion and enthusiasm and being attentive to others.
Impact: This is in the future; and comes through shifting an agenda or mindset, or through creating an emotional shift.
I like this model as it allows for an objective review of your own experience, but then asks:
- Do you know what you want to be different?
- What impact you want to provoke?
- What you want to create?
It allows you to take the authority that you bring by virtue of your experience, to work with that on a day to day basis in terms of authentic leadership and presence, and then do something impactful in the future.
This model has you at the centrepiece, not you trying to be someone else. It uses your skills, your experience, your rapport building, and your vision for the future. And not a rousing speech in sight.
So, this week, my challenge to you is to take half an hour – whether that be on the way to work tomorrow, or before you go home tonight. Draw up three columns authority, presence and impact: and fill in your leadership story – build your leadership impact your way.
Until next week, happy leading,
