I’ve been a leader, I am a leader … and love thinking about and practicing leadership. Even if I’m a little anxious acknowledging that here.
But my one-word definition of my brand of leadership is this:
CARE
Care about the humans, first, always and forever. It’s about people.
AND that starts with myself ….
Caring about me
Then from that, caring about others (team, customers, partners)
And caring about our work together, our journey together
At iThemes our mantra was: “Make People’s Lives Awesome.”
I’ve amended that.
It’s about “Making Each Other’s Lives Awesome.”
That’s powerful. That’s impactful. That’s culture. That’s real community to me.
But it has to include and start with ME (making sure I’m taking care of myself first as a human) and then it can radiate out to my others.
That’s why I have a coach … that’s why I have a counselor. That’s why I’m working to stay connected to those comrades (friends) who rush in when others run out.
If I’m good for myself …. tending to myself first … then I’m so much better for everyone around me.
When I don’t … it’s not good. For anyone and especially myself.