Perspectives: One Year of Leadership In Focus
A year ago, we started Leadership In Focus with the purpose of connecting with like-minded individuals passionate about great leadership. It has always been, and continues to be, primarily about fostering community growth through shared learning and development.
As we embark upon year 2 of this journey with Leadership In Focus, Curtis Scaplen (CS) and I (KG) are reflecting on these four questions:
When I hear the word leadership, I think…
KG: I recently came across one of the best definitions of leadership in Chris Hadfield’s book: “Ultimately, leadership is not about glorious crowning acts. It's about keeping your team focused on a goal and motivated to do their best to achieve it, especially when the stakes are high and the consequences really matter. It is about laying the groundwork for others' success, and then standing back and letting them shine.” I believe leadership is about bringing out the best in ourselves and the people in our lives, both at home and at work. You don’t need a title or a team to lead. Ultimately, you need values, principles, and accountability to do what needs to be done, regardless of whether someone is watching.
CS - I think vision. I think mentor. I think it is a mindset and not just a word. It requires someone who genuinely cares about people and knows how to make everyone around them better. A true leader’s actions will speak more than their words. More than the outcome, leadership is about truly engaging in continuous growth and having the ability to have tough conversations and make decisions.
What part I’ve enjoyed the most about starting LIF?
CS - It is a passion of ours and it brought Kurtis and I even closer together, through some of most trying and vulnerable moments. It doesn’t feel like work. The WHY is so strong because ultimately it is about bringing together a community of leaders or aspiring leaders who want to make an impact. The world is in need of leadership more than ever, and if we can contribute to that it means the world to me.
KG: Reconnecting with Curtis and many others passionate about this subject has led to exciting and rich conversations. I have built deep friendships as a result, enriching my life. Also, I feel blessed to express both my passion for the subject and my creative side by presenting these lessons in unique ways. Having the challenge to produce unique content almost every day, along with writing an article every week, has been invigorating. Sometimes I think there’s no way I can do it, but then ideas flow, and another week of content is done.
What has surprised me the most about starting a new business?
KG: You often take for granted how much is done for you when you work for a company. Simple things like having a website, getting paid, or having an established brand for credibility are no longer given. I assumed that once I put myself out there, people would automatically connect to the ideas, and leads would flow. But it’s much harder than expected, and the responsibility always falls on you. If there’s a problem, you have to fix it. If there’s something you don’t know how to do, you have to figure it out or find someone who can help.
CS: It is hard. The best make it look so easy, but it is definitely not all sunshine and rainbows. In a corporate environment there is always someone else to complain about… your boss or your colleagues or maybe even the customer. When it is our own business, the buck stops with us. We are 100% responsible and accountable for all things LIF. It is exciting and terrifying all at the same time, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Word of encouragement to our readers:
CS - Leadership is a mindset. Quite honestly if you are thinking about improving your own life or the lives of others you are well on your way. There is no one style to Leadership. Your uniqueness makes you qualified to be YOU. Figure out your own style, continue to learn and grow. You can lead at any level and in any area of your life… choose to be a leader, the world needs you!
KG: If you want to lead people, start with yourself first. Mastery of yourself will qualify you over time. Also, don’t be afraid to try. You may have many ideas, some of which seem far-fetched. But you never know when something will stick. That so-called silly idea could be the one big thing that opens unexpected doors of growth and success.
