tRUE LEADERSHIP IS ALL ABOUT FOLLOWING & JUST LIKE PARENTING

Leadership is one of the most popular subjects on linkedIn today. There are many beautiful and inspiring visions on leadership. It made me analyze the word 'leadership' and I came to the conclusion that the term leadership is not the most suitable term anymore. And maybe it never was.

Why?
Because true leaders can be recognized by one thing. They are following.

• They are following their heart, the truth, their energy
• They are following the knowledge they receive from something or someone larger than them
• They are following the talents and the skills of their employees

True leaders won’t claim that they create their success, all by themselves.

True leaders will acknowledge the inspiration they get, the insights they receive, the hard work done by others, the flow they trust on, the mistakes they make… True leaders are following their unique path instead of creating an other one. They overcome obstacles and celebrate the beauty and success on their path, knowing that they just have to follow.

True leadership can be compared to parenting

As a parent you can see yourself as a leader, but it quickly shows how important it is for a leader to follow. For example, when I teach my kids to ride the bike... I won’t bike in front of them to show how good I am asking them to follow me and do it exactly the same way. I will be walking, right behind them, to hold and watch their backs. But my eyes will be in front of them, so I can warn or save them if necessary. And only if they are save and sure enough to bike themselves, I will bike next to them. Not in front or behind, but next to them. Until they can bike faster and better and become the ‘leader’ themselves.

So as a leader... stop leading and start following.

Be right there, to watch the back of your employees. Have your eyes in front, to be able to warn or save them if necessary. And when they become good at what they do, be good at what you do best and be right there beside them. And when they become better than you... Allow and stimulate them to pass you. And if they do? Smile and be proud. That’s what true leadership is all about!