“The more you overthink, the less you achieve. Focus on solving the problem, not analyzing it to death.”
— Dan Martell
Leadership is often seen as a complex role. And I won’t deny the fact that being a person of influence isn’t easy by any means. Everywhere you look now, there are countless books, podcasts, speakers, seminars, and so-called “experts” who promise to unlock the secrets to great leadership. But at its core, leadership is simpler than we might think. It is us, you and me, that complicates it a lot of the time!
You don’t need a formal title to be a leader. Every single one of us has leadership influence — whether we realize it or not. The question isn’t whether we have influence, but what kind of influence we have. Are we influencing others in a positive direction, helping them grow, or are we contributing to their stagnation or decline?
In the landscape industry, or really in any industry or organization, leadership doesn’t require an arsenal of fancy tools or skills. It doesn’t require knowing everything about everything. You don’t need to have a perfect answer for every situation or be the best at every single task. What you need is the ability to influence others – one example, one conversation, one action, and one decision at a time.
Influence is simply the ability to encourage someone to see things differently, to push them to rise above their own limitations, and to help them realize their potential. It’s not about being the loudest voice in the room or commanding authority. True leadership is about empowering others and encouraging them to become better versions of themselves.
When I was new to my leadership journey, I made the constant mistake of thinking I needed to have every answer to every problem that came my way. And man, were there problems! I felt like a leader had to know exactly how to solve any challenge, offer a solution to every question, and fix any issue that came up. Yes, as a leader we need to be problem solvers. And solve them with a smile on our face. But I thought that if I didn’t have all the answers, I wasn’t truly leading. And that my Team would think less of me and lose respect. This mindset weighed heavily on me, creating stress and honestly, unnecessary pressure. What I came to realize, over time, was that leadership isn’t about having all the answers – it’s about creating an environment where people feel empowered to solve problems on their own, and where I could be the guide, not the hero.
Here are a few different examples of leadership in ways you might not even realize…
- On the Soccer Field: My 11-year-old son demonstrates leadership by guiding and coaching his teammates during soccer games, showing that leadership isn’t bound by age—it’s about stepping up to support and direct others.
- In our Faith Walk: By living out your faith authentically, you can lead others toward a deeper relationship with Jesus. Your example can inspire them to seek God more intentionally and strengthen their spiritual walk.
- In our Work: A peer struggling to meet their potential can be encouraged and influenced by your example. Simple acts like mentoring, sharing advice, or holding them accountable can elevate their performance and confidence.
- With a Friend in Need: A friend facing challenges in their relationship can benefit from your guidance and support. Encouraging them to grow as a spouse and offering wisdom or a listening ear can positively impact their relationship.
- In Your Neighborhood: Being a kind and supportive neighbor – organizing a community event, offering help when someone is in need, or simply being approachable – can set the tone for connection and foster a sense of unity among those around you!
You don’t need to be a jack-of-all-trades. Leadership doesn’t require mastering every skill or knowing everything. Often, you only need to be good at one or two things – things that matter – and apply them consistently. It’s the small acts of guidance, encouragement, and support that, when done right, have the power to change everything.
In the landscape or service industry, whether you’re leading a team on the ground or managing operations from a desk, your influence can shape the work culture, impact your team’s morale, and influence the quality of service you deliver. And the best part? That influence isn’t limited to the job site or your office – it spreads outward into your community, your industry, and even your family life!
It’s very easy to overthink leadership, especially when we try to emulate what we see in popular culture or the world’s most famous leaders. But in reality, leadership is simply the art of influencing others to be better. And we all have that power within us
Remember, leadership isn’t about a title, a position, or having all the answers. It’s about how you use your influence to make those around you want to be the best versions of themselves. And that starts with YOU and ME wanting to be the best versions of ourselves. And with just a few focused actions and a genuine desire to help others grow, you can change the world. I promise!
“Leadership is not about being the smartest person in the room, it’s about bringing out the best in others.”
As you begin to land the plane on 2024, consider embracing a simpler, more intentional approach to leadership in the new year. How can you steward your time to focus on what truly matters – both the tasks and, more importantly, the people who make it all happen? Always remember, leadership is about people first. We are in the people business and our people are in the trades. How are you using your influence to elevate and empower those around you? Keep it simple – The most profound impact starts with the smallest, deliberate actions!