Leadership Philosophy

To me, leadership at its core is about adaptability. Every relationship within every team is complex and multifaceted, and there is no single strategy that will work every time. I used to think that leaders shaped their teams, and therefore shaped the world. Now I realize that often leaders are the ones who are shaped, molding themselves to provide a support system that allows their teams to maximize their potential. Leaders should provide direction without stifling creativity, motivate without forcing, and provide feedback without limiting autonomy. Leaders should represent the Why, provide guidelines for the How, and leave the details to the team. I used to think of leaders as the tip of the spear, pointed and pervasive. Leading the charge and heading up every project, every detail, every move. Now I think of them as the banner behind the army; providing direction, assurance, and meaning, while trusting their teams to handle the minutiae.