WOWW: The Real Currency of Leadership

November 20, 2024

by a searcher from The University of Chicago - Booth School of Business in Charlotte, NC, USA

Words of Wisdom Wednesday: The Real Currency of Leadership

Inspired by Rob Dance's powerful insight on authentic leadership...

One word that changes everything: GUTS

According to a recent Gallup study, only 21% of employees strongly agree their performance is managed in a way that motivates them. Here's where gutsy leadership makes all the difference.

True leadership isn't about titles or corner offices. It's about having the courage to:

• Stand tall as your team's shield, even when it's uncomfortable

• Push back against unreasonable demands (yes, even to the C-suite!)

• Fight for resources your team deserves

• Create psychological safety - because fearless teams perform better

• Champion your people's growth, even if it means they might outgrow their roles

Here's what 18 years of leadership has taught me:

When you lead with guts:

- Innovation flourishes because people aren't afraid to fail

- Loyalty deepens because trust becomes unshakeable

- Performance skyrockets because fear no longer holds anyone back

The Math of Gutsy Leadership:

Protected Team + Required Resources + Psychological Safety = 10x Performance

Remember: Your team doesn't need another boss. They need a leader with the guts to:

• Take the heat so they can stay cool

• Speak up when others stay quiet

• Put their careers on the line for what's right

Leadership Challenge:

What's one gutsy decision you need to make this week for your team? The kind that makes your stomach flip but your heart know it's right?

Share below - let's inspire each other to lead with more courage!

Credit: Thank you @Rob Dance for sparking this important conversation about gutsy leadership