Character-based leadership creates energy. Character-based leaders lead out of who they are rather than their position. They don’t manipulate; they inspire. Their character, personality, gifts, values, beliefs and behaviors communicate to the whole team and other stakeholders that they are part of the team. They share the goals and objectives of the team and serve the team in pursuit of that goal.
The team rewards those leaders with energy. They know that their leader is making as great or greater contribution to the cause. That knowledge inspires them to take responsibility, make sacrifices, and submit to the authority in order to take part in achieving a goal that is bigger than anything they could do on their own. Their contribution in turn energizes the leader. A cycle begins. The result can be many times greater than the sum of the parts.
It all begins with a person of character investing themselves in service to the team and the effort.
This week, what can you do to start or restart the cycle? Will you be an investor or a consumer? Will you inspire others by the energy you invest? Be the best person you can be and invest yourself in a shared goal. You will energize and mobilize others giving them the best chance to achieve extraordinary, even multiplied results.
Lead Change Group promotes posts from people passionate about applying character-based leadership. If you are interested in becoming an author, please let us know. Mike is the founder of the Lead Change Group. He's passionate about energizing motivated people to make a positive difference. Read more from this author
Mike -
I just LOVE this post – I can feel the ENERGY coming from you, and it’s awesome!! You are a blessing, and I’m glad to share in the cycle of energy with you!
Erin
Erin,
As you know, this is what we experienced at LeaderPalooza and in the Lead Change Group. You and the group energize me and I appreciate it. Sincere energy creates this energy. It can’t be faked which is why it’s the exclusive domain of transparent, authentic, character-based leaders. Fake energy won’t get reproduced over and over again like the real thing!
Thanks again, Mike…
Mike, you are so right about the importance of energy in inspiring others to give their best. When that energy comes from a leader who operates from integrity and strong character, people respond in kind – and the results can be amazing. Valuable message for all who hope to influence others to achieve important goals.
.-= Meredith Bell´s last blog ..What a Stroke Victim Taught Me about Life =-.
Thanks Meredith. The point I’m also trying to make is the team’s energy recharges the leader too! A community of peers contributing their best energy, like the members of Lead Change at LeaderPalooza was very energizing indeed.
Mike…
.-= Mike Henry Sr.´s last blog ..Leadership Energy =-.
Hi Mike,
Your wonderful post reminds me of Stephen Covey’s “Emotional Bank Account” principle. Leaders who lead with their character, gifts, energy and in service to the “greater good” put huge deposits into their follower’s emotional bank accounts. These leaders are truly leading from the heart, and when they stumble (because they are human, they will), they won’t empty those accounts. The accounts are so full, that they will sustain leadership “stumbles” for a good long time.
Thanks Mary Jo for the “Emotional Bank Account” principle. That’s a great description of what takes place. However I also think there is an additional dimension. It is like an emotional trust fund. The leader inspires others to make deposits and everyone shares in the return.
Thanks again for the great comment. Mike…
.-= Mike Henry Sr.´s last blog ..Leadership Energy =-.
A great and positive point regarding the impact of a collaborative and inspiring energy coming as an example from a leader, and how it can be a catalyst for increased motivation and performance from a team. For the most part, I have seen this is the case, but I recently came across one case where an organizational climate was so toxic, and top-down that it did not allow this type of leader or team interaction to flourish. In these few situations, the question is usually asked by the leader, “what else can I do?”
.-= Dale´s last blog ..The 3 Little Leaders & The Big Bad Boss =-.
Dale, thanks for the reminder. I agree there are some (many) organizations that kill the energy contributed by character-based leaders. Their positional authority structure and the systems to defend it just kill the energy and burns out anyone trying to energize effort with character.
Thanks for setting up my next post…
Mike…
.-= Mike Henry Sr.´s last blog ..Leadership Energy =-.
Leaders offer energy to their followers and team by providing guidance, intellectual stimulation, and their vision. When a leader allows others to freely contribute to the vision, others generate their own energy. A leader can remove restraints which allow others to find energy activation from internal sources.
.-= Steve Broe´s last blog ..When is it best to just be a manager and not a leader? =-.
I am fortunate to experience boundless energy from working with people like the LeadChange group members, my own team, my family and my wonderful clients! Creating energy together breeds commitment and enhances mission. It is a great place to be and a worthy thing to strive for. Inpiring and inspired should be commonplace in work if you are operating from a character-based perspective.
Very nice. I’m all about energizing action.People feed off the leaders energy. John Maxwell wisely states “a manager say’s go…a leader say’s Let’s go!”