Do I need a Leadership Philosophy?
When you think of the term leadership, what comes to mind? Common words like self-motivated, confident, dominate, and influential are heard often. When thinking of someone who you regard as a leader, what qualities come to mind? Now, think about your own leadership style – what words connect for you?
The same can be said when you introduce yourself to a colleague who has just joined the team – will your introduction be the same as your peer? Will you present yourself the same, use the same language, or with the same conviction? The answer is likely no. Similar to leadership which holds many qualities, different from leader to leader.
When I think of a leader, I see it as someone who guides and inspires others. One who has a strong set of values, a clear vision, and a personal conviction in their actions. And the most effective ones develop their own leadership philosophies used to help guide their work and purpose.
So, what is a Leadership Philosophy?
Like any philosophy, a leadership philosophy is a way of thinking and behaving guided by a set of personal values and beliefs formed over time. As we evolve in our leadership approach throughout our professional and personal lives, we develop a series of reference points from which we form decisions and actions.
These reference points are our foundation or baseline to help us act in integrity with our core values. Trust is a key influencer when living out our own leadership philosophy in truth, for it is this trust in our decisions and actions that help us rise up to, and grow through, challenges with a commitment to the outcome.
Leadership philosophies are different for every leader and vary depending on goals and personal styles. It can be best described as a structured approach to leading others; somewhat of a framework to help lead. With each foundation being highly personalised, leadership philosophies can range from short-and-sweet to riddles, all the way to lengthy pages.
Why should I develop a Leadership Philosophy?
I know you run a successful hospitality business already, but I encourage you to not neglect the power of recognising your own leadership philosophy. Naturally, everyone has a version of their own philosophy already, whether they acknowledge it or not, as our thoughts and actions are what govern our decisions and direction.
However, a strong belief and conviction in your own leadership principles is key to running a successful team and business, therefore a philosophy is used as a reminder to help guide you towards your goals. I encourage you to take a moment to reflect on your own philosophy to date and become curious about what really guides your choices and leadership.
When we have clarity in our values and purpose, we are likely to inspire and motivate those around us to want and crave similar. When we are in integrity with ourselves, we are more likely to be decisive, authentic, and consistent in our approach and thus, cultivating a team of like-minded, motivated people striving for the same goal.
Five questions to uncover your Leadership Philosophy
It’s important to review where you are at in your leadership journey in an effort to understand your actions to date and to help refine and evolve your philosophy as your career progresses.
What leaders have I admired throughout my career? Why?
What are my personal values and principles?
How do I currently lead in both professional and personal settings?
What do I want to be known and remembered for?
What is my purpose as a leader?
As you reflect and design your own unique leadership philosophy it will help you establish the kind of leader you want to become, and the kind of leaders you want working by your side.
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