Chapter 1: The Need for Authentic Leadership

The world is in desperate need of authentic leaders. This demand spans various sectors—not only in business and politics but also in arts, healthcare, science, religion, education, and law. Every aspect of human endeavor is calling out for genuine leadership.

Since the emergence of large corporations following the Industrial Revolution, particularly in North America, there has been an overwhelming focus on management. In Western society, management has almost become an idol, leading to a preoccupation with productivity metrics and operational processes. Unfortunately, this shift has caused us to overlook the essence of leadership.

Consequently, we are now witnessing a surge in content creation centered on leadership themes (shoutout to Gary V). This reflects our recognition of the need for not only measuring productivity and efficiency but also for fostering individuals who can reach their fullest potential—both professionally and personally.

1. Invested

Being invested means dedicating resources to achieve future benefits. For leaders, this involves two primary aspects. First, effective leaders commit their resources—such as time, knowledge, and creativity—to the organizations they belong to, helping them fulfill their missions.

Invested leaders genuinely connect with their organization’s objectives and work to foster cultures that enhance its capabilities. These leaders can emerge from any level of an organization and are not confined to those with formal authority. They embody the organization's values and encourage others to do the same.

Moreover, committed leaders prioritize the growth of their team members, aspiring to help them develop both professionally and personally. They don’t aim to extract maximum value from their teams but instead strive to elevate their colleagues to become the best versions of themselves.

2. Accountable

Accountable leaders produce sustained results through their actions and relationships. They prioritize achieving their goals and expect the same from their teams. At the heart of accountability lies integrity—the alignment of words and actions and a readiness to accept corrections when necessary.

These leaders celebrate achievements and ensure credit is given where it’s due. When challenges arise, they take responsibility and encourage their teams to do the same while seeking innovative solutions. They avoid blame-shifting and work transparently, fostering an atmosphere of trust and respect.

Accountable leaders engage in honest discussions about performance and processes, demonstrating their commitment to their teams and ensuring clarity and healthy boundaries.

3. Empowering

No single leader possesses all the necessary skills to effectively lead an organization. Successful leaders recognize this truth and actively seek to identify and cultivate the talents of others. They encourage team members to develop their skills rather than stifle them.

In my experience leading teams, I’ve always preferred not to be the most knowledgeable person in the room. This isn’t due to humility; it’s simply practical. If I am the most skilled, then our team’s potential is limited by my own abilities. However, when I surround myself with individuals who excel beyond my skill set, the possibilities become limitless.

Empowering leaders understand that true leadership is about creating an environment that nurtures others’ growth, enabling them to make informed decisions and take on leadership roles themselves.

Reflection for Future Leaders

The journey of nurturing a new generation of effective leaders starts with self-reflection. Here are some probing questions to consider:

1. How would I assess my proficiency in each of these three qualities? Where do I excel, and where do I need improvement?
2. Who in my circle can provide me with honest feedback on my development in these areas? Who can hold me accountable?
3. Do any of these qualities make me uncomfortable? If so, why?
4. What barriers hinder my growth in these qualities, and what support do I need to overcome them?
5. Given my current context, which quality is most crucial, and what specific commitment can I make this week and over the next six months to enhance it?

By learning to identify and cultivate these qualities within ourselves, we can effectively foster them in others.

It’s time to quench the leadership drought, and I’m ready for a refreshing change!

The video title is Sands Leadership Lecture Series - YouTube, which delves into the importance of leadership qualities and how they can be developed to better serve individuals and organizations.