Your Journey To Leadership, “Starts Now”

In business, many of us are often seeking the most effective “leadership strategies” that will enhance the performance of our team, which in turn will hopefully lead to results that we are striving for. This search and desire often comes in the form of reading business articles, books, attending a conference or being part of a “leadership program” that supports your development as a leader. All of these tools and avenues are great, however if not practised with the sincerity and with the core intention to help others, then failure is imminent. In my years of experience, I have witnessed that good leadership practices often come down to the use of “common sense”. Below I will share with you my three simple beliefs to the most effective leadership strategies.

I became a “leader” or what I simply refer to as, a people manager at the early age of 25. I understood back then that this would be a challenge for me. However I also knew that if I stayed true to myself and the values I stood for, that success was possible. I was grateful for the opportunity at such an early age and was advised that I secured the promotion simply by the role I played on the team day in and day out. Leadership in my mind is not attained by a promotion or being appointed as a manager but present when demonstrated without that title. It is for that reason I feel, if you have a strong desire to be a “leader” or people manager within your organization, then that journey should “start now”.  Demonstrate those qualities every day in the current role you are in within your team structure and this will start to build the foundation for a career as a potential people manager. 

Leadership is not attained by a promotion or being appointed as a manager but present when demonstrated without that title.

I’ve been extremely fortunate for the path and opportunities that have been given to me over my career working at #intactinsurance. For me, success in leadership comes down to three simple beliefs. 

Alignment In Values:

Ensure that your personal values are well aligned with the values of the organization that you represent. Without this alignment, you will always be challenged to lead your team with conviction, sincerity and the support that you need to be successful. I have been with Intact Insurance for over 16 years now, and the values that we stand behind (Integrity, Respect, Customer-Driven, Excellence and Socially Responsible) mirror the values I want to lead by. This establishes the foundation for successful leadership. My recommendation is to simply start by identifying the personal and organizational values that guide you as a leader. This will quickly help you determine if your values are aligned with those of your organization. 

Have a “Can Do” Attitude:

Someone once told me “It is easy to be the captain of ship while steering through calm waters at sea, but the test of a good captain comes when trying to steer that ship through rough waters or unexpected conditions”. Be that team member who guides, coaches and influences your team through the toughest of times. Once again, this is not just for individuals who actually have the title of a manager, but for anyone within the team who cares enough to contribute to the success of the team. Sure it’s easy to highlight the “why” during challenging times, an effective leader will have the passion and “can do” attitude that will help the team steer out of rough waters and back on the path to success. 

“ The test of a good captain comes when trying to steer that ship through rough waters or unexpected conditions”

Quite Simply, it is about PEOPLE

The people and the team in front of you (Yes I said “In front of you” as they drive your success), is what really matters! It is very easy to say that you have an “open door” policy, or that you promote an “open & honest” environment. However it is another thing to practise that with the up most sincerity and care for people. As a sports fanatic, I often relate managing people to the relationship a coach may have with his/her players. A good coach is always vested in the success of their players and the biggest reward is seeing them succeed (Remember, the coach is often the last one to hold that championship trophy). Take the time with your team to understand what THEY want to accomplish and how you can support them with their goals. Learn quickly that you will accomplish so much more if you have the collective buy-in and relationship with the people around you. As there is nothing more rewarding than experiencing the success of your team!

A good coach is always vested in the success of their players and the biggest reward is seeing them succeed

Yes, everything that I have said seems like “COMMON SENSE” or common practices, but is it really? Ask yourself, have you really done a GREAT job and practised the fundamentals of leadership? If you hesitate for just one moment in answering that question, “Start that Journey Now”!