Leadership Is a Partnership, Not a Solo Act

Jim Kouzes & Barry Posner, Ph.D.’s "The Leadership Challenge" reminded me that leadership is not about titles or power. It’s about the relationship between leader and follower. The most effective leaders model the way, inspire a shared vision, challenge the process, enable others to act, and encourage the heart.

Henry Kimsey-House, Karen Kimsey-House, @Laura Whitworth, and Phillip Sandahl's book "Co-Active Coaching" takes that same truth and puts it into practice one conversation at a time. Instead of leading from above, it’s about standing shoulder to shoulder with someone and helping them discover their own answers. It’s about developing leadership that listens deeply, trusts the other person’s resourcefulness, and invites them to step into their own power.

When you blend these two approaches, you get leadership that is less about directing and more about co-creating. If you know me you have heard me say this many times "I'm not the Hero, I'm the Guide." I can also be the Sparring Partner, the Cheerleader, and sometimes the Mirror. It is about being of service to others.

Today's Questions for you:
-If leadership were a dance, are you leading every step or making space for others to take the floor?
-As a leader, when was the last time you let someone else’s vision set the direction?