Leadership is About Focus

All leaders focus on something.

There are leaders who pay attention to details, examining the smallest factors that might possibly affect their performance and the performance of their teams. There are leaders who only see the big picture, visionaries who paint with broad strokes and set sail for the far horizon. There are leaders who focus on making a difference in the world around them, leaders who focus on developing the people they lead, and leaders who focus on themselves and their own profiles.

The most effective leaders focus on what motivates them and the people around them. If their focus as a leader does not fit with their own core values, and the core values of their organization, it inhibits their effectiveness. They may be able to force themselves to make some progress for a limited time, but they are not able to lead effectively in the long run. They, and the people around them, are aware that their focus is not consistent with who they are.

The leaders who inspire and motivate us, who give us examples to follow, recognize their own core values. They appreciate who they are deep within themselves. Their true selves relate to our true selves and call us to become the leaders we can be. They help us recognize what has not been our focus before, and help us see in new ways.

The leaders whose examples I follow are people whose share their focus with the people around them. They bring people together and clarify how the ways each of us focuses fit together. Their true selves welcome me and reflect back to me the ways our core values work together.

They do not let their own focus blind them to opportunities for growth.

Where is your focus?

How will you share your focus with someone today?

[Image by VijayForVictory]