If we think of leadership as situational, even fundamentally different in the many roles we play in life, we inadvertently become less effective everywhere.
Conversely, leaders who understand that the foundations of leadership apply equally across all situations and with all kinds of people have a distinct advantage. We become more masterful at leadership when we practice the same ideas and skills all of the time. The good news is that we can all do exactly that.
Leadership is leadership is leadership. How we give feedback to a 48-year-old should work with an 8-year-old, as well. This is not to say the issues and tone would be the same. Clearly, they would not be. But if the way we carry feedback to an inexperienced colleague doesn’t also work with our young child, it probably doesn’t really work with our colleague.
While they go about the task of adapting to the differences between people and situations, the best leaders recognize there are some behaviors and routines we should replicate everywhere. This is how leaders become respected and admired. When it comes to the cornerstones of leadership, everyone gets the same treatment.
How you lead anyone is how you should lead everyone.
