“Leadership is being willing to go first” – John Maxwell
In the realm of leadership, there’s a timeless truth: “You can’t take people to a place you’re not willing to go yourself first.” Leading by example is not just a cliché; it’s a fundamental principle that defines exceptional leadership. When leaders demonstrate the qualities and behaviors they expect from others, they inspire trust, loyalty, and commitment.
People frequently come up to me and talk about their desire to lead. I usually ask them why, and sometimes, what I hear is all about the perks of leadership. People want others to do what they say, or they want more money, or they want the satisfaction of being in complete control.
Over my working career, I’ve received what I feel are a few leadership “perks”. I’ve won awards, I’ve received titles, authority, a nice office, nice vehicles, money, preferential treatment. And I’m sure much more I’m missing. And while those perks are nice, here’s the truth:
I do NOT lead because of the perks. I lead because of what I can do for other people.
And it’s that focus on other people that keeps me paying the price of leadership. Leadership costs something – it costs a price from any woman or man who would stand up and say, “Follow me.”
While I usually can’t get too much in detail in a stand up conversation on what it looks like to pay the cost of leading, that is what these blogs are for. Here are a few ways to “go first” and get your investment going!
1. Embrace Vulnerability: Going first as a leader often requires vulnerability. It means being willing to admit mistakes, acknowledge weaknesses, and demonstrate authenticity. By opening up about our own struggles and challenges, we create an environment where others feel safe to do the same. Embrace vulnerability by:
- Sharing personal stories of overcoming obstacles or failures – Admitting when you don’t have all the answers and seeking input from your team.
- Encouraging open and honest communication by creating a culture of psychological safety.
My entire leadership journey changed when I realized I didn’t need to have all the answers to every problem we were facing. And it continues to grow by sharing past failures with future leaders and how we grew through them. This is what I love about public speaking! Most of my talks are sharing battle scar stories that I know many leaders can relate to.
2. Lead with Integrity: Integrity is the cornerstone of effective leadership. Going first means leading with honesty, transparency, and moral courage. When leaders uphold high ethical standards and align their actions with their values, they set a powerful example for others to follow. Lead with integrity by:
- Honoring commitments and following through on promises.
- Holding yourself accountable for your actions and decisions. (if you screw up, and trust me you will, admit it and ask for help)
- Making ethical choices even when they are difficult or unpopular. (I could have done this whole blog on just this one bullet point. But I think you can fill in on this one)
3. Foster Growth and Development As a leader: Going first also means prioritizing the growth and development of yourself and your team members. Invest in their success by providing opportunities for learning, skill development, and career advancement. When leaders demonstrate a commitment to continuous improvement, they inspire others to do the same. Foster growth and development by:
- Serving as a mentor and coach, offering guidance and support to those around you
- Creating a culture of learning where mistakes are viewed as opportunities for growth. (evaluate EVERYTHING)
- Investing in training and development programs that empower employees to reach their full potential.
I’ve met a lot of successful people over the years that other people didn’t believe in, but I’ve never met a successful person that didn’t believe in themselves. If we want other people to believe in us, we must go first and believe in ourselves. We may borrow belief to get started, but a leader must be able to create belief internally if they want to create it externally. We must get bigger on the inside if we want to get bigger on the outside.
Are you willing to pay the price to be a world class leader by going first? You can’t expect others to do something that you’re not modeling and willing to do yourself first. That is not the way it works. Mediocre leaders produce mediocre employees. World class leaders produce… Well, you already know!