Leadership – the art of keeping clear of the "noise"

Every time I look around, there is yet another leadership concept fad. From 360 degree leadership to situational leadership; from collaborative leadership through to transformational leadership. While each are a specific and valid form of leadership, they contribute to what I call an overwhelming “noise” in the leadership space..

Unfortunately we now have a generation of current and potential leaders, who know how to be situational or collaborative or any of the other fad leadership concepts, but unless they are in one of these environments they have learnt to lead in, they struggle.

 Leadership is not defined by the environment you are in. Having served in senior civilian and still serve in military environments, each entirely different, I have found that my ability to lead had to transcend the environments I worked in.

How is this achieved? By having and/or developing sound fundamental leadership principles and practices, that you are happy to make your own.

 Here are what I consider to be the three foundation points that clear the leadership "noise" and lead to clarity.

1.     Competence - know what you are good at, work on emphasising these strengths and improving on your limitations. Others will trust in your words and actions if they can see your competence in action. 

2.     Conviction - trust your own ability; you will get some things right and some things will need to be shaped differently. Your activity will shape your learning and your leadership. Your conviction to your cause, your team and your path will inspire people to believe in you.

3.     Conduct  –  how you conduct yourself, by leading, shapes the intent you want, the conversations you are having and the actions you are taking. Leaders conduct themselves with a dignity and respect for themselves and others that generates a presence. The old adage treat others as you would be treated is never more true.

All these will result in your own clarity in both your leadership approach and how people and events gravitate to and around you.

Philip Wagner is a contrarian leadership educator and practitioner, serving Army Officer and developer of Leader IQ. -  He can be contacted at phil@philipwagner.com.au or 0419 001 911