Impacting Change through Empowered Leadership
"Every year, our family and a group of friends used to go to a music festival. Each day, you could choose from a variety of bands to listen to. One year, while enjoying a favourite band, I left the bleachers and went to a floor space at the back of the crowd to dance. Within minutes, a couple of friends joined me. This was followed by more friends, and before long, even people we didn’t know had joined our group to dance. By the end, there were about 30 people all enjoying this choreographed moment.
Why did this dynamic occur? Because I chose to get up and do something I loved: dancing.
Here are some takeaways:
People don’t always want to be in the spotlight.
People's creative desires will align with those of a like mind.
People need courage to be motivated to act upon their curiosities.
People will follow an authentic 'why.'
People see enthusiasm as contagious.
Leading impactful change requires you to step out, regardless of whether others will follow you or not. Too often, you can be deceived by the notion that you have to do something big to effect change. Leading by example is not just about expertise or authority; it's about embodying a genuine love for what you do. When leaders lead from a place of passion and genuine enthusiasm, they inspire those around them to embrace change, innovate, and strive for excellence.
Take Steve Jobs, whose passion for technology and design revolutionized the way we interact with computers, phones, and music. Jobs famously said, 'The only way to do great work is to love what you do.' His unwavering passion for creating beautiful, intuitive products fueled Apple's success and inspired countless individuals to think differently and pursue their own passions.
When leaders genuinely love what they do, their enthusiasm is contagious. Passion-driven leaders are also inherently curious and open-minded; they constantly seek out new ideas, experiences, and perspectives. They understand that true innovation comes from embracing change and stepping outside of their comfort zone."
My 3 Learnings:
The experience at the music festival taught me the power of embracing vulnerability. By stepping out of my comfort zone and engaging in something I loved, I discovered that vulnerability could lead to unexpected connections and shared experiences.
By embracing my passion for dancing I inadvertently inspired others to join in. This experience taught me that authentic leadership isn't just about words but about embodying the values and behaviours you wish to see in others.
I learnt that by creating a space where others felt comfortable to express themselves, they would connect with other like-minded people.
Our leadership example can be impactful, especially if we are passionate, authentic, and vulnerable. Driving meaningful change begins by not over thinking but getting on and doing what you love doing.
My 3 Questions for You:
When have you been motivated or inspired to follow someone?
When have you inspired others to follow you?
How do you know you are being authentic in your leadership?
"Vulnerability is the birthplace of innovation, creativity, and change." - Brené Brown
Your experiences, insights, and questions are invaluable. I invite you to share your thoughts, challenges, or victories in personal growth. Whether it's a personal story or a burning question, I'm here to help you discover more and navigate life purposefully. Reach out, and let's make every moment count. Remember daily to, 'Find value in your influence.' Your voice matters, and I'm excited to hear from you!"
Written By: Paul Fawcett.
