It’s not about us
I've come across a gem of an article that you’ll love…
It’s entitled "Begin with Trust," and it’s by an inspiring Harvard Business School professor and fellow Frances and it aligns perfectly with what we are trying to do here - you and me - in our shared mission to make a positive impact in the world.
The article challenges the conventional narrative of leadership that’s often centered around the individual leader – their vision, charisma, and heroic moments: As purposeful founders seeking to make a difference, we need to shift our perspective. Leadership, as the article beautifully puts it, is not about us. It's about empowering others and ensuring that our influence endures even in our absence.
Our companies are not just extensions of ourselves; they are beacons of positive change.
We are the optimists. The impact we seek to make goes beyond our own personal talents and charisma! It's about creating a legacy of empowerment and trust.
As we navigate the complexities of running purposeful businesses, especially here, on this tiny island, the essence of trust cannot be overstated. Trust forms the bedrock of our relationships – with our teams, our customers, and the communities we serve - locally, nationally and internationally. It's the invisible thread that weaves through every decision and action.
And it’s through our authentic, empathic and logical stories that we can best communicate.
In our quest to empower others, we must build trust intentionally. It's not just a buzzword but a commitment to creating an environment where everyone feels heard, valued, and capable. Our vision and strategy should be inclusive, reflecting the diverse voices within our teams. Making tough decisions is not about asserting authority but about transparently aligning actions with our shared purpose.
And what about those heroic moments of courage and instinct? They are not just solo performances. They are collaborative symphonies, where each team member contributes their unique strengths. True leadership is harnessing this collective power, ensuring that everyone feels an integral part of the narrative we're crafting together.
Our businesses are vehicles for positive change. Our leadership legacy should be one of trust and empowerment. It's about setting the stage for others to shine and ensuring that the impact of our purpose extends far beyond our immediate presence.
