Leaders show up in all different forms. They are influenced by people, places, and positions. Their education and experiences have taught them how to show up as a leader.
Several years ago, I had an opportunity to provide feedback to a senior leader. I noticed that they didn’t take an opportunity to walk amongst their people. One day, I said, “You would be seen as a great leader if you took time to walk amongst your people.” The senior leader listened and thanked me for the feedback.
In a morning meeting, about eight months later, the senior leader proclaimed, “I’m going to do something that I find very scary. I’m going to walk amongst my people.” I was taken back as I had made a judgment that all leaders should find it natural to walk amongst their people. I had seen other senior leaders walk through the workplace with ease. I recognized that it took courage for this leader to take this action.
At the end of the day, I messaged the senior leader to commend them for acting and to find out the outcome. The senior leader expressed that they were pleasantly surprised. They did not expect that the people around them would be interested in who they were. They asked questions and had great conversations. It got me thinking about how our beliefs about leadership and how we show up influences how we lead. I was very proud of this leader for taking action.
“Walking amongst your people” was a lesson I learned very early in my career, I remember a situation in which I was unwell and coughing sitting at my office desk when a senior leader had come up to me addressed me by name, and said, “Debra, I really think you need to go home and get some rest.” I was taken back as I didn’t even know that this leader knew who I was. It wasn’t until I interviewed for a middle management position when I mentioned to this leader that I was surprised by her addressing me by name. This leader explained to me the importance of walking amongst your people. They emphasized the importance of taking time to get to know each person by name and something about them whenever possible. I took this to heart and used this as the focus to guide my leadership and those leaders that I have helped develop.
You never know the impact that you make until you do.
One day I was coming into the office and the security guard pulled me aside and handed me a handwritten note inviting me to come to his wedding on the weekend. I was pleasantly surprised. To him, I took interest in who he was as a person. Every day I make an intention to address people by their name, develop connections, and take an interest in who they are. I believe that great leaders “walk their talk” and have alignment in words and actions. I am often reminded then another person’s actions are based on their beliefs, fears, and experiences. Not all leaders lead the same.
We build trust and loyalty when we connect with the people we lead, the leaders of tomorrow. Great leaders do not wait to connect until performance management is required. The “walk” opens the door to communication, builds trust and credibility, and demonstrates commitment.
What I do know for sure is when we support each other in our growth, we lead by example, and we develop great leaders. Do not doubt that with the simple act of walking amongst your fellow leaders you are not making an impact. Your presence alone speaks volumes and creates connection. There is nothing more satisfying than watching the leaders around you grow and step into their potential to make an impact
Have the courage to take the first step.
Debra Kasowski, the charismatic host of the thought-provoking podcast, The Millionaire Woman Show, is committed to enriching the leadership potential of her countless clients, essentially guiding them to go within to capitalize on their true personal power, so they can achieve the measurable success they desire in business, and in life.
After graduating with distinction, having earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, this award-winning, three-time bestselling author, 2x TEDx speaker, past contributor to Forbes Coaches Council, and Certified Executive Coach spent many years as a clinical manager excelling in leadership development, before founding Debra Kasowski International, world-class training and consulting venture focused on helping
aspiring business owners and solopreneurs develop the winning “success habits” that transform human potential into sustainable profits.
Clearly, if you’re motivated to move beyond the mediocre, and inspired to forge on to the forefront with a proven plan of action, there’s no doubt that the indomitable Debra Kasowski is your solution.