I talk a lot about clarity, mindset, strategy, and action as what’s essential if you want to make more money doing what you love (on your terms).
I’m all about it. I KNOW that’s the combination for business profitability and success, AND I want to talk more about the role of leadership in building, growing, and scaling a profitable, sustainable business *your* way.
Because your ability to lead is directly correlated with your business success, sustainability, and your scalability.
But, ‘leadership’ is one of those obtuse, kinda confusing terms, isn’t it?!
I know it’s one thing to say “Step into your leadership, be a thought leader, take up space!” That sounds great, but what the heck does that mean?! So, let’s clean up what leadership in business means, so it’s not lumped in with suits and the corporate job you just left.
I view leadership in 2 parts:
On one side: I see leadership as the word is defined. Your ability and willingness to organize a group of people with a certain goal, mobilize that group of people toward a common goal and reach that common goal. I think this is a pretty general understanding and definition of leadership.
On the other side: I see leadership as thought leadership. Thought leadership, to me, is about innovation and creativity, rather than just regurgitating what you’ve heard somewhere else. It’s the ability to look at your industry with new thoughts and ideas coupled with the willingness to take up space and share those ideas before someone gives you permission to do so...before those ideas have been shared by someone else, proven, or approved.
To lead, to be a thought leader, by definition, you’re asked to go first. This means, going out and being willing to share BEFORE the world tells you it’s ok. Before you’ve got that stamp of approval.
It’s one thing to have ideas and thoughts on your own and in your journal (which is beautiful), and it’s a whole other thing to share those thoughts with your audience and industry while sitting in discomfort knowing people might disagree or dislike what you have to say.
Thought leadership in business asks you to have integrity, self trust, and trust in your vision.
Being a thought leader is all about showing up when things get uncomfortable and holding steady to your truth. It’s about putting self-interest and ego aside and speaking up for that greater good and mission, even if someone disagrees with you.
Thought leadership is brave, and when you lead from a place of integrity, it’s what paves the way for positive impact and making more money doing what you love.
Thought leadership sacrifices self-interest for the interests of the greater good and bigger mission. And, it’s being willing to go first and owning and sharing those ideas BEFORE you get that praise and confirmation from someone else that turns thoughts into thought leadership.
Leaning into both sides of leadership *before you hear the applause* is essential to your success, sustainability, and scalability as a business owner.
Wishing you your version of success.
