IT’S NOT ABOUT X,<br> IT’S ABOUT<br> WHY
Thoughts on leadership with De, Everyday Massive’s Head of Operations.
Leadership isn’t genetic.
It isn’t like red hair and freckles, or blue eyes and blonde hair. Rather, research suggests that leadership capabilities can be learned — and quickly, if you have the aspiration.
At Everyday Massive, our mission is to transform the employee experience through human connection. And an employee’s interaction with leadership is one of the most important connections needed to ensure a great experience across all stages of the employee journey.
I see leadership attitudes and behaviours buzzing around our office, in the everyday moments and from those who don’t necessarily have leadership in their job title yet.
I see it in Taylah, one of our producers, who knows intuitively how to handle complex situations with calmness and good old fashion judgement beyond her years. Or when Liddy and Teus, our designers, stop to share their knowledge and advice for the benefit of the team.
I see it when Moose, our communications strategist, and Kenia, our creative director, lead a strategy workshop — caught up in the thrill of the chase and aspiring to remarkable — asking the team the right questions to push our thinking. This is the “secret sauce” of great leadership coaching.
And I see it in Jess, one of our long-standing EM heroes, passing on her knowledge about the way we do things here to our newest teammates.
In these everyday moments I see leadership aspiration, a fierce desire to make a difference and a healthy obsession for helping our collaborators improve their employee experience. These budding leaders know their why and live it every day.
Because although there is some evidence to suggest that natural traits may help, it isn’t enough to make or break your chances of being an effective leader. Your inherent traits are just a very small piece of the bigger picture.
Leadership is not what you do for a job, it’s how you do your job. How you show up in everyday moments and how you make people feel. How you think, act, and behave as a leader. That is what will be recalled and retold.
And the how begins by knowing your why.
So let’s talk about that!
It begins with your why
Knowing your why steers how you are going to be a leader — and one worth following.
The why is usually short and punchy, not a long-winded explanation. It is a fire-in-the-belly feeling, a fundamental belief in your world and the people in it.
For example:
I want to make a difference in the experience a person has at work.
I want people to connect with each other as human beings.
I want to add value as a leader by building a high performing team.
Your why becomes your brand — your tagline — shaping your leadership style and clearly communicating what you’re driven to achieve. It’s the magic that makes you unique.
So, what if you’re already a leader and need to reconnect with the reasons why?
There’s certainly no shame in that. Rather, it’s an opportunity for self awareness — a chance to remember why you became a leader in the first place.
Leadership is a skill you practice, not master
Leadership, like any other skill, can be identified, harnessed, developed and practiced. At the same time, leadership is never something you fully master. It’s a continual journey through different roles and responsibilities.
Focus on building the fundamentals, be it leadership, management, mentoring or coaching; and knowing which situations call for what. Seek out examples of great leadership. And seek feedback.
As you develop, mould and shape your leadership through the ups and downs of life at work, you build a backpack filled with experience.
As leaders, it’s our responsibility to be compassionate, empathetic, and clear in communicating our vision and direction, as well as being present and intentional during the time spent with our team. Building these relationships is essential — developing trust, providing clarity, setting direction, and creating a space for people to thrive.
So learn, grow, and become that leader worth following.
Be remembered for the right stuff
A values-based leadership style, where leaders demonstrate a strong sense of purpose and empathy, is more relevant now than ever before.
You already have core personal values that shape your decisions. By applying the same approach to your leadership, your inner compass will guide your thoughts, behaviours and actions. These values will be expressed in your interactions with others.
For example, if you care deeply about causes and the people you lead, this will become what you are known for.
So be a leader who shows empathy and compassion. Be a leader that provides an experience. Be a leader who gives and receives respect. Be a leader who seeks connection. Be a leader who is authentic. Be a leader who recognises competence and potential, and seeks to empower others. Be the leader your why wants you to be.
Leadership isn’t genetic. If you want to be a leader, you can. If you have the aspiration, you have the capability. Begin with your why. Work on your how. Learn and grow. And be remembered for the right stuff.