Outreach for Leaders
Personal Development
March 22, 2012
Will Lukang
Topics
getting help, helping yourself, leader outreachWill Lukang, CLDC, CSM, PMP
Leaders are known for their composure and energy that are unparalleled by anyone. They usually have what it takes to help people navigate complex situations to achieve their common goal. They motivate and inspire everyone around them and give them hope that enables them to achieve goals they otherwise cannot achieve themselves. Leaders’ charisma is like a magnet that attracts people to them who want to emulate and follow the way they conduct themselves.
From outside looking in, it looks like they have it all and are well put together. They seem to deal with adversities and challenges without getting overwhelmed. As an orchestrator of the organization, they manage the flow and facilitate growth and development of the people. People around them seek their advice and guidance on all matters related to their field of influence.
From an outreach standpoint, leaders are great givers of their time, personal, and financial support. They are known for their unselfishness that puts others ahead of their personal goal. They are the go-to person to make things happen. Because of their influence and ability to lead in challenging times, they are able to make things happen more quickly than anyone else.
Outreach is a two-way street; by that I mean giving and receiving. A leader needs to recognize that they need help themselves and acknowledge the fact and seek help for themselves. It is not easy for someone who is the leader to be comfortable with the situation of needing help. But a true leader must learn to seek help for themselves. Seeking help is not something to be ashamed of. They need to remember that in order to help others they need to help themselves. It is only then they will be able to help others.
In the end, everyone has their own gorilla they carry on their shoulders. Some are heavier than others. Learning to seek help and receive outreach can only make the leader a better leader and respected by others, because they know their limitations.
Great post Will. Receiving is more difficult than giving for some. Asking for help is one of the hardest things to do, especially as a leader (and a man) but when we do, we benefit in many ways. We learn more, so we can help more. We show that we are vulnerable and “don’t know everything”. By doing so, we gain respect and admiration from others.
And True LEADERS; Listen, Engage, Assess, Develop, Encourage, Respect, Serve.
Just wanted to share that with you. Thanks for a short and powerful message. Take CARE.
Al
Hi Al,
Vulnerable is the word that is often associated with being weak. Therefore people missed the opportunity to understand ones weakness and ask for help. However, true leader knows that in order for them to help others, they need to help themselves. Unless they are well, they will not be able to serve others.
Thanks,
Will Lukang
Well said, Will! Leaders need to be aware of “Power Stress” – a unique type of stress experienced by people in positions of power, influence and responsibility. Recharging ourselves is not an option, it’s a necessity for physical and psychological well being. Giving is great, don’t get me wrong. Leader’s who are able to RECEIVE connection, compassion, empathy will get recharged and not drained by their role.
Thank you for writing!
Christina Haxton MA, LMFT
Free resources to resolve conflict here: http://sustainable-leaders.com/news-ideas/
Well said, Will! Leaders need to be aware of “Power Stress” – a unique type of stress experienced by people in positions of power, influence and responsibility. Recharging ourselves is not an option, it’s a necessity for physical and psychological well being. Giving is great, don’t get me wrong. Leader’s who are able to RECEIVE connection, compassion, empathy will get recharged and not drained by their role.
Thank you for writing!
Christina Haxton MA, LMFT
Hi Christina,
Excellent point on recharging. Everyone needs to recharge and rejuvenate themselves. It is important for leaders to recharge and be well in order for them to serve their constituents.
Thanks,
Will Lukang