Most of us are so busy that we rarely sit down to take stock of our accomplishments.
BY MICHAEL F. BROOM, Ph.D. | CEO, Center for Human Systems
Let’s explore the less-discussed leadership aspects that bring leaders joy and satisfaction. How much time do you spend simply appreciating the wonderful pleasures that being a leader can offer?
The greatest way to appreciate the joys of leadership is to consider them in terms of two things: 1) our personal growth and 2) the chance to effectively assist the growth of others.
If you haven’t experienced some of the joys we’ll mention, go for some of them this year.
Experiencing the joys of our own growth
The joy in the fact of being a leader
My first attempts at leadership felt awkward. Realizing people were going along with me was a surprise and a thrill. Many of us suffer from imposter syndrome, where we don’t feel worthy of leadership.
Instead, consider that since people are following you, you must be worthy in their eyes. To this day, I make it a point to appreciate the simple fact of the willingness of others to follow me!
The joy of achievement & making progress
Last year, you’ve accomplished a lot. And you’re making further progress toward whatever your goals are. Some days, it feels like no progress at all. But over the year, you made progress in several areas. Make a list of them and enjoy the progress you’ve made!
Look at what you have accomplished. Most of us are so busy that we rarely sit down to take stock of our accomplishments. Think back to this time last year. Make a list of what you’ve gotten done since then. I know we’re supposed to be modest. But for a moment, be frank about all you have accomplished.
The joy of overcoming obstacles
Make another list. List the obstacles you have successfully climbed over, tunneled under or somehow gotten around. There’s no need to be concerned about the ones in front of you right now. After all, if there were no obstacles, leaders would not be needed.
You overcame those obstacles. You didn’t do it by yourself, but you led the way. Just be with the pleasure of that for a bit.
Leading is challenging. It takes time and effort. It takes you being honest with yourself. It takes finding and recruiting the help and support you need. You grew yourself into the leader that you are now.
The joy of serving others
This second part, taking the long view, is more important than the first. The experience of supporting the growth of others, of being of service to others, offers a profound joy that can go deeper than the joy of our growth. At the same time, it’s essential to recognize that our support of others can only come about through our own growth.
The joy of serving a greater cause
Unless you are a criminal gang leader, the group or organization you lead is about providing some service or product that others need. Your group or organization is doing something for something bigger than you.
Whether you’re working at feeding the poor or helping others grow wealth, it is something bigger than you. There’s joy in that which goes beyond the bottom line. Take advantage of it.
The joy in the privilege of influencing others
Everyone influences others. As a leader, you enjoy the privilege of such influence to a greater degree. Yes, influence is a privilege granted to you. People have the choice of following you or not.
You can’t make them accept your leadership. You have people who have chosen to follow you. You may want to thank them as they have granted you the privilege you enjoy.
The joy of fostering growth
I doubt the people you lead are the same now as when they joined you. You have impacted them. Some stand out from you, having trained, coached or mentored them. You may overlook your impact on others, but you affect them, too.
They grew as professionals and as human beings with your support. This is a big joy! Make a list of those you’ve witnessed grow under your leadership. Yeah, they had to do the heavy lifting. Still, your contribution was meaningful.
In closing, I hope this article highlighted your leadership’s joys and positive aspects. I hope it also provided some inspiration and guidance for future joys and aspirations for future leaders.
Michael F. Broom, Ph.D., is an organizational psychologist with 45 years of experience with various people and organizations. He is the author of “The Infinite Organization” and “Power, The Infinite Game” with Donald Klein.
Formerly of Johns Hopkins University, he founded the Center for Human Systems and is a Lifetime Achievement Award honoree of the OD Network.
Contact Dr. Broom for coaching and consulting for your organization at michael@chumans.com. For more information on the Center for Human Systems and to check out its intensive programs and two-hour workshops, visit chumans.com. You’ll be surprised by the difference a single hour can make!
