"Do Less and Be More" Leadership

Less is more!Act unselfishly and they'll respond by simply doing
A great maxim I learned over and over in mywhat it is that needs to be done.
trainings as a psychotherapist, coach and trainer.Unless, of course, you want to be the sort of
Get out of your own way and you get out ofleader who manipulates rather than influences. The
your client's or group's way. It's all about them,kind of leader who's always got a hidden agenda.
not you.The kind of leader who's always out for 'what's in
Unless, of course, you want to be the sort ofit for me?'
leader who acts like the worst kind of guru orPersonal development is "essential" for good
super star. Showmanship, power trip and littleleadership.
substance.The ability to lead yourself, to make choices
And I met plenty of them in a previous corporateabout who you are and how you behave is
career. Rising stars and charisma caterers withessential for good leadership. The ability to disable
very little in between. Far better to be a 'do lessyour historic behavioural reactions, narcissistic
and be more' leader for yourself, your people,needs and the dramas they create is essential for
your organisation, your stakeholders... "and" for allgood leadership.
the communities in which you play a part.So ask yourself...
Having set the vision and outlined the outcome,1. When did I last reflect on how I behave as a
trust your 'group' to achieve it. Be available forleader and how that could be bettered?
consultation where needed and, when it is, be a2. When's the last time anyone gave me
coach. It's not an opportunity to show how cleverfeedback on how I behave as a leader?
you are. It's an opportunity to be of service. To3. When's the last time I asked anyone for
help your people expand their abilities "and" theirfeedback on how I behave as a leader?
own Inner Leadership.If any of your answers are more than 4 weeks,
Unless, of course, you want to be the sort ofgo do 1 and 3 now! It means you've got caught
leader who gets their rocks off with control andup in the busy-ness of your role and lost
power over others. The sort of leader whoconnection with its essence. That's to inspire,
constantly interferes, disables their people andinfluence, motivate and mobilise your people for
creates dependence on them as leader. 'Theythe common good, coaching and supporting "their"
need me!' Who says?growth along the way.
Create clear and wholesome relationship whichGood leadership is "always, always" about doing
offers potential for others to respond similarly.less and being more!