#6 Leadership: PAVE the gap

Effective leadership is one of the key driving forces behind any successful organisation. Good leaders create a compelling vision, unite others to the cause, develop their direct reports and ultimately set the tone for how the organisation operates. ​

​Unfortunately, many people find themselves in a leadership position by virtue of their track record on the frontline, or as a result of their technical expertise alone. Little or no time is spent on developing the specific mindset and skills needed to effectively lead others.

​This scenario is all too common and can create a ‘leadership awareness gap’ between how we see ourselves and how others see us, as leaders. 
 
Many newly minted leaders (and more than a few established leaders) have not explored deeply their underlying leadership philosophy and how it impacts on their ability to lead both self, and others. Unchecked, this can lead to a lack of clarity and confusion, not just for leaders, but for those in their charge. 

A simple tip to discover your leadership philosophy is to consider the following questions:

1. Purpose – What is my leadership purpose and why do I want to be a leader in the first place? 
2. Approach – How would you want others to describe your leadership style? Which leaders are you seeking to emulate and why?
3. Values – What are 5 values that are at the core of everything you do – your non-negotiables?
4. Expectations – What expectations do you have of others? What expectations should they have of you? 

 
Leadership philosophies can evolve and change over time and it is a worthwhile exercise to revisit these questions regularly to see if you are staying on track.