VIDEO OF THE MONTH: Why True Leaders Take Command with Tony Robbins
Leadership is many things: the ability to connect with others, inspire them to be their best selves and to focus on what’s best for the group. But at its essence, leadership is the ability to make tough decisions.
Anybody can make easy decisions. Deciding where to go for the company lunch or what kind of printer to buy isn’t leadership. Choosing which clients – or employees – to keep and which to fire is a tough decision. Choosing where to put limited resources is a tough decision. Business is filled with these tough decisions, and so is life.
Strong leaders have the confidence to be decisive no matter what because they know that, as Tony says, “You may be wrong, but you know that if you wait until everything is resolved, nothing gets solved.” General Norman Schwarzkopf agrees, saying that you can always spot leadership “When they can make decisions.”
ARTICLE OF THE MONTH:
What is Leadership? by Tony Robbins
Here’s the thing about leadership that a lot of people either don’t understand or refuse to believe: Everyone can be a leader. There is no single answer to “What is leadership?” because it isn’t something you’re either born with or without, but a powerful skill that can be developed over time. Great leaders don’t follow a single path or personality type. In fact, you’ve probably taken on leadership roles in your life that you didn’t realize at the time. So what makes a good leader, really? And how can you sharpen those skills and put them to work for you in your career and your life?
Leadership is the ability to inspire a team to achieve a certain goal. It’s usually discussed in the context of business, but leadership is also how you, as an individual, choose to lead your life. The definition of leadership is to influence, inspire and help others become their best selves, building their skills and achieving goals along the way. You don’t have to be a CEO, manager or even a team lead to be a leader. Leadership is a set of skills – and a certain psychology – that anyone can master.
Leadership is not a zero-sum equation. When one person harnesses their powers to lead, it strengthens the leadership opportunities of others, rather than diminishing them. That’s because the ultimate definition of leadership is empowering others to become effective leaders as well. That’s why many iconic leaders haveincredible mentorsthey cite for their success. As one person begins to embrace their role as a leader, they inevitably connect with others who have already mastered the art of leadership.
