REAL LEADERS – The pandemic of the past two years has reset many aspects of our lives, yet the concept of leadership and the true meaning of success remain inadequately defined for all. Historically, a dominant group has dictated what leadership looks like, often excluding diverse perspectives and voices. Real Leaders recognize the need for a fundamental shift in how we perceive and practice leadership.
Recent movements advocating for women’s empowerment have encouraged self-confidence, inclusivity, and personal growth. However, the need to redefine leadership remains paramount. Real Leaders should ask themselves what they are contributing to the world and how they are showing up in their leadership roles.
A growing number of CEOs are now focused on creating social impact, solving global challenges, and fostering collaborations. To achieve these goals, it is essential to build initiatives, cultures, and systems that are inclusive of all voices. Real Leaders must ask, “Who is contributing to this collaboration?” and actively seek to include underrepresented voices to enhance effectiveness and innovation.
The old paradigm of leadership revolved around money, power, and influence. In contrast, the new definition emphasizes purpose, inclusion, and well-being. Real Leaders understand that their behavior can create as much impact as any financial or authoritative power.
Equity and leadership start at home. The broken political, social, and economic systems we see today are reflections of family dynamics. We are all products of previous generations, and unless we teach our children diversity of thought and responsible living, we risk perpetuating past mistakes.
Building businesses, families, and societies on a firm foundation is crucial. Despite progress, significant gaps remain. For example, while Xerox established the first women’s employee resource group in the 1960s, women still only make up 5% of Fortune 500 CEOs today. Addressing these foundational issues requires more than superficial fixes; it demands a deep-rooted change in our approach to leadership.
Real Leaders prioritize mental health, family, work, and community in that order. Within marriages, the focus should be on the partner first, then the children. Many societal issues stem from individuals being triggered by their upbringing and ingrained belief systems. By becoming more aware of new opportunities and ways of thinking, leaders can elevate how they show up for those around them.
Transforming culture begins with transforming people. If you aim to create a thriving, socially impactful company, look to your employees and those in your home. During economic downturns, many leaders cut creative activities to focus on quarterly results. However, Real Leaders understand that prioritizing humanity over productivity ultimately leads to greater success.