LEADERS
DIGEST
LEADERSHIP IN
BY BERNARD LEE INVIGORATE CONSULTING
AND BEYOND
2020 has been an unprecedented year in history. The pandemic has accelerated tomorrow’s future into today. Somehow, we have survived the year (some have thrived!) and we’re at the doorstep of the next 365 days. I am convinced more than ever that “Everything rises and falls on leadership” (Maxwell). Whether you are a corporate leader, civil servant, employer, employee, home-maker or student - your ability to lead yourself and others will determine how the next 365 days will look like. Over and above the functional and technical competencies required for leadership roles, leadership in 2021 and beyond requires the Leadership PATCH:
1. Purposeful Leaders in 2021 and beyond must be purposeful.
2. Authentic Leaders in 2021 and beyond must be authentic.
Purpose is the reason for your existence. Being purposeful is being intentional about living out that purpose. Purpose is not a series of fluffy statements strung together and hung on a wall, but it is something that leaders are focused and geared towards.
Followers understand times have changed. We have seen the level of uncertainty rise like never before. No one can be certain of how 2021 (and beyond) will look like. Many have offered views, but the fact remains that no one really knows.
Purposeful leaders deliver value. Leaders have the responsibility to ensure that people and organisations are aligned and steered in the right direction. That is the purpose of leadership. To exercise influence and bring people to the desired destination.
Authentic leaders are real. They display vulnerability. They admit they don’t know it all. They too have questions. They are equally concerned about the future. Authentic leaders do not hide from these realities.
Purposeful leaders lead with conviction and clarity. Without purpose, one will be merely doing things out of convenience. Without purpose, leaders give-up when the going gets tough. Without purpose, there is no context to grit, resilience and agility. 16
Issue 46 I December 2020
Authentic leaders are wise. Wise to be vulnerable, yet confident to lead. Their confidence stems from the collective wisdom and courage, not just their own. Wise leaders are selfless. They understand it’s not about me, but WE.
