The Quiet Leader.
My joy comes from taking care of my family and my team.
There’s value in having a strong tribe around you that protects you as much as supports you.
Michael Jordan is an amazing basketball player (my personal choice for GOAT), but he also had the perfect team and organization around him. Between Scottie Pippen, Phil Jackson and other important players, Michael Jordan had the right people around him to maximize his talents.
The thing about Michael Jordan is that with the greatness around him, he still demanded excellence as a Leader, whether through his words or actions. Managing egos that feel that they can do more than the organization offers them.
Everyone wants to be a Star. No one really wants to be a leader.
Many people don’t want to be led, either.
So be it.
My journey to discovering my leadership style has not been easy.
I used to think leadership was angry, defined by yelling and scolding others.
But the greatest thing a leader can be is themselves.
Leading my team comes from demanding excellence of myself and expecting respect and strategy. Everyone plays a part in your success, whether that’s as a representative, CEO, janitor, whomever. Respect and strategy in your line of work are two essential components to greatness and if it doesn’t exist within the leader, it won’t exist anywhere in your life.
I’ve reflected on my leadership in my hometown. As a young adult, I tried to mimic the vocal leadership style my older brother has. Somewhat loud, always talking, speaking his piece. These are all respectable ways to do that since these traits are all reflective of his style. Over the years, I have learned that my personality is reserved and focused on my two pillars: Respect and Strategy.
However, we both have experienced the same problem as Leaders: This complex that makes you feel responsible for everyone’s behavior and it can consume you.
Some call this a “Messiah Complex”…