Leaders: Who Do You Think You Are?
For more details, visit our website:https://byldgroup.com/ Or call at:1800-102-1345The Importance of Developing Your Leadership Point of View
Many leaders lack self-awareness, never fully considering how their approach to leadership was formed or how they come across to their teams. This gap often leads to a lack of trust and engagement because people need to know a leader’s values, motivations, and humanity to fully connect with them.
Developing and sharing your Leadership Point of View (LPOV) is a powerful way to bridge this gap. It allows you to articulate your values, experiences, and expectations, helping your team understand not only your leadership philosophy but also you as a person. Here’s a step-by-step guide to crafting your LPOV:
Four Steps to Developing Your Leadership Point of View
1. Identify the People Who Shaped Your Leadership Philosophy
Who were the mentors, teachers, or influencers in your life who molded your perspective on leadership? Reflect on what you learned from them and how those lessons continue to guide you.
For example, in my own journey:
My mother taught me humility and the importance of finding goodness in everyone. She would say, “Don’t act like you’re better than anyone else, but don’t let others act like they’re better than you. Everyone has a pearl of goodness—you just have to dig to find it.”
My father, a retired admiral, emphasized servant leadership. When I became president of my class in seventh grade, he told me, “Great leaders are followed not because of their position, but because they’re respected and trusted.”
2. Reflect on Key Life Experiences
What pivotal moments in your life shaped your leadership approach? Think about the lessons you learned and how those experiences influence your behavior today.
For instance, one turning point for me was realizing the importance of balancing results with relationships. This lesson instilled in me the belief that leadership is about helping people feel good about themselves while achieving great results.
3. Define Your Core Leadership Values
What principles guide your decisions and actions as a leader? Start by listing all the values you hold dear—such as integrity, love, learning, or excellence—and narrow them down to three to five core values.
In my LPOV, my core values are:
Spiritual peace: Staying grounded and calm in all situations.
Integrity: Doing what is right, even when it’s hard.
Love: Showing compassion and care for myself and others.
Success: Achieving meaningful goals while supporting others.
Once you’ve identified your values, define what each one means to you. For example:
Love: “I live this value anytime I express compassion, show care for others, or receive love openly.”
4. Outline Your Expectations of Yourself and Your Team
Your expectations reveal your leadership philosophy and what people can expect when working with you. This step creates clarity and strengthens your partnerships.
For me, this means sharing:
“If I am living up to my expectations as a leader, everything I do will help you achieve results while feeling good about yourself.”
“I expect us to have fun together. Life is a special occasion, and we don’t want to miss it!”
Why Your Leadership Point of View Matters
As you work through your LPOV, you’ll not only deepen your self-awareness but also improve how others perceive and connect with you. Pat Zigarmi, coauthor of the Leadership Point of View program explains, “Sharing your LPOV helps team members understand your intentions, which inspires trust and engagement.”
By creating and sharing your LPOV, you can:
Eliminate misunderstandings by clearly communicating your values and expectations.
Strengthen relationships by showing your authenticity and accessibility.
Foster loyalty by building deeper connections with your team.
Final Thoughts
Crafting your leadership point of view is a journey, not a quick exercise. Take your time. Reflect on your values, influences, and key experiences. The process may be emotional, but the leadership point will be a deeper, more authentic connection with those you lead.
When you share your LPOV, you show your team who you are—not just as a leader, but as a person. This openness fosters trust, engagement, and loyalty, helping you and your team grow together.