Leadership is a Verb

Leadership is not something are, it’s not a title you hold, and it’s not just something that sits next to your name on an org chart. And worse off, it’s definitely not a title you use to tell others what you think you are (similar to the person who thinks they are so humble that they need to wear a t-shirt that’s says “I’m Humble”).  Real leadership doesn’t work that way.  If you are a true leader, trust me, there is no need to tell someone you are. They will know.

Leadership is not a noun. Real leadership is a verb.

It is not something you are—it’s something you do. And the moment you feel the need to tell people you’re a leader is often the moment you reveal to others that you’re not. Titles can be given. Authority can be assigned. But leadership has to be demonstrated, over and over again.  And when this demonstration doesn’t equate to title, culture and productivity will always stumble within a team or organization.  Nobody wants to follow a person in place of leadership who has the title, but who doesn’t demonstrate.

See, true leaders don’t demand followership. They inspire it.

People don’t follow great leaders because they have to—they follow them because they want to. There’s a gravitational pull to someone who consistently shows up, does the right thing, and makes the people around them better. That kind of leadership isn’t loud or self-promoting. It’s steady. It’s authentic.  And it’s always in action.

True leadership is about elevating the team, creating clarity, communicating with transparency, and building an environment where people can and want to do their best work.  

One time I was flying Southwest, connecting in Dallas LUV, on my way to Austin. As we got in the air, this old man was handing out peanuts and serving drinks on the plane, but he wasn’t in uniform? When that man got to my seat, he extended his hand and introduced himself. In this soft southern but welcoming draw, he said “Hi, I am Herb Kelleher, I started this company over 25 years ago, and thank you so, so much… for choosing to fly with us today. Can I get you any peanuts, a soft drink, or do anything to make your flight with us more enjoyable for our short flight into Austin today”. For those who don’t know, Herb was the founder and ultimate leader of Southwest Airlines. The culture of that airline emulated his spirit for many years…probably because of actions like this. Herb knew leadership was a verb, not a noun. I’ll never forget that encounter, I saw real authentic leadership.

Be more like Herb….and attract your success by simply becoming more valuable to others. Every great Master understands he or she is no better than their servants.

Being a true leader in life is a service position…and everyone in this world is your client.

Happy Friday. Enjoy the weekend ahead.