By Oyewole Sarumi Phd
Leadership is a dynamic journey, shaped not only by grand milestones but also by the subtle, everyday moments that leave a lasting impact on both the leader and those they serve. True leadership isn’t defined by a singular event or achievement, nor is it bound by a rigid set of rules. Instead, it is cultivated through intentional growth, self-awareness, and continuous learning. As leadership expert John C. Maxwell famously said, “Leadership is not about titles, positions, or flowcharts. It is about one life influencing another.”
This article explores the transformative nature of leadership, emphasizing three key areas for those aspiring to build themselves up as reputable leaders: defining your leadership philosophy, embracing discomfort, and staying relentlessly curious. Leadership is about becoming, and the most effective leaders understand that they must grow not only in pivotal moments but in the day-to-day interactions that define their character and vision.
1. Define Your Leadership Philosophy
A clear leadership philosophy is the bedrock of effective leadership. It represents your core beliefs, values, and guiding principles, providing a compass for decision-making and team guidance. Without a well-defined philosophy, leadership can become reactionary and inconsistent, leading to confusion and mistrust within a team. As Peter Drucker, often hailed as the father of modern management, succinctly put it, “Management is doing things right; leadership is doing the right things.”
Your leadership philosophy should act as a constant guide, ensuring that your actions align with your values. Leaders who succeed in this area are those who take the time to reflect on their personal beliefs, aligning their leadership approach with the values they hold dear. As a leader, ask yourself: What do I stand for? What kind of environment do I want to create for my team? What principles am I unwilling to compromise on?
One area worth exploring is integrityandtransparency. Integrity is at the heart of trust, and without trust, a leader will fail to build lasting influence. Warren Buffett once stated, “It takes 20 years to build a reputation and five minutes to ruin it.” This underscores the importance of consistently aligning your actions with your values to maintain credibility.
Another consideration is servantleadership, where leaders focus on serving their team and fostering a culture of support and empowerment. Robert Greenleaf, who popularized this concept, once said, “Good leaders must first become good servants.” Leaders must think beyond personal gains and prioritize the growth and well-being of their team.
The power of consistency cannot be overstated. When your team understands your approach to leadership—whether it’s based on trust, accountability, innovation, or collaboration—they know what to expect from you. They are more likely to mirror your behavior, reinforcing a culture of integrity and excellence. One of the most important lessons I’ve learned from my mentors is the value of keeping your promises. “Have a high do-to-say ratio,” they would say. It’s a powerful reminder that actions speak louder than words and that true leadership is about consistently delivering on your commitments.
2. Embrace Discomfort: Growth Happens Outside the Comfort Zone
A critical aspect of leadership development is learning to be comfortable with discomfort. Leadership often requires making difficult decisions, navigating uncertainty, and taking risks that stretch your abilities. It is in these uncomfortable moments that the seeds of greatness are planted.
My first experience with discomfort as a leader came early in life when I was encouraged to run for a student leadership position I wasn’t sure I was ready for. That leap into the unknown marked the beginning of my leadership journey. Many of today’s most influential leaders, from business executives to political figures, share similar stories. They took on challenges that forced them to develop new skills, confront their fears, and grow into the leaders they are today.
There’s wisdom in the words of Eleanor Roosevelt: “Do one thing every day that scares you.” As leaders, it’s easyto remain in familiar territory, doing what we know best. But stepping outside of our comfort zones allows us to expand our capabilities, broaden our perspectives, and develop resilience. This is especially true when confronting uncertainty—whether it’s a bold strategic decision, managing conflict, or guiding a team through change.
Leaders who consistently embrace discomfort grow into more adaptive, empathetic, and innovative versions of themselves. By stepping into the unknown, they model courage for their teams, which fosters a culture of innovation and risk-taking. It’s important to recognize that leadership is not about avoiding challenges but learning to navigate them with confidence and poise. The ability to thrive in discomfort distinguishes great leaders from mediocre ones. This idea is embodied in the words of Nelson Mandela: “I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it.”
Encouraging others to push beyond their boundaries is just as important. Mentorship plays a vital role in this process. We all need advocates who see our potential even when we don’t. By creating environments that nurture growth and challenge assumptions, leaders empower their teams to take risks and develop their leadership capacities.
3. Cultivate Curiosity: A Hallmark of Lifelong Leadership Growth
A defining trait of successful leaders is their insatiable curiosity. Effective leaders never stop learning—they remain open to new ideas, perspectives, and knowledge, which helps them stay ahead in an ever-changing world. As Socrates famously noted, “I know that I know nothing,” encapsulating the humility that drives the pursuit of continuous learning.
Curiosity, when nurtured, leads to innovation. Leaders who are curious are not satisfied with the status quo—they ask “why” and “how” and are constantly seeking better solutions. This ability to challenge conventional wisdom and look for opportunities for improvement is critical in today’s fast-paced business environment.
The dangers of complacency are real. I once read an article stating that many professionals stop growing after the age of 40 because they stop learning. This plateau can derail careers and stifle potential. The most successful leaders make a conscious effort to maintain a beginner’s mindset throughout their careers, approaching each situation with an openness to learning something new.
Curiosity also fosters deeper connections with people. Leaders who ask questions and seek to understand different viewpoints can create more inclusive and innovative teams. By engaging with others and actively listening, leaders can uncover hidden insights, challenge assumptions, and drive progress. This ability to remain curious and engaged keeps leaders relevant and adaptable, helping them navigate complex challenges and shifting landscapes.
Bernard Baruch’s famous quote, “Millions saw the apple fall, but Newton was the one who asked why,” serves as a powerful reminder that curiosity can lead to groundbreaking discoveries and innovations. By encouraging curiosity in themselves and their teams, leaders create an environment where creativity thrives, and meaningful change is possible.
Continuous self-development is essential. In the words of Mahatma Gandhi, “Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.” True leadership is about growing into your role, and that journey never ends.
4. Emotional Intelligence: The Power of Connection
Emotional intelligence (EI) is a vital aspect of leadership that goes hand in hand with the previously discussed principles. It involves being aware of, controlling, and expressing one’s emotions while also managing relationships empathetically. Daniel Goleman, a psychologist who popularized the concept of emotional intelligence, emphasizes that “What really matters for success, character, happiness, and lifelong achievements is a definite set of emotional skills.”
Leaders with high emotional intelligence are better equipped to handle stress, navigate conflict, and build strong relationships with their teams. They can connect on a deeper level, showing empathy and understanding while maintaining the focus needed to drive results. Developing emotional intelligence requires self-reflection, mindfulness, and an openness to feedback. It complements a leader’s ability to embrace discomfort and curiosity by adding the human element—how decisions and actions impact the emotional and psychological well-being of others.
Emotionalresilience is a critical aspect of being a leader as it involves dealing with setbacks, rejections, and moments of failure. As Brene Brown, a renowned researcher and leadership expert, reminds us: “You can choose courage or you can choose comfort, but you cannot choose both.” Leaders must be willing to embrace failure as part of their journey toward success.
5. Vision: Leading with Purpose
A leader of repute is also a leader with a clear vision. Visionary leadership is about inspiring others to see beyond the immediate and align themselves with a larger purpose. John F. Kennedy captured this when he said, “Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other.” Leaders must first articulate a compelling vision for their teams, organizations, or communities, guiding them toward a shared goal. This vision must be rooted in a genuine desire to create value for others.
Visionary leaders don’t just see the future—they work to shape it. They align their leadership philosophy, curiosity, and ability to navigate discomfort with their ultimate purpose, ensuring that every decision they make moves the team closer to that goal. This alignment is crucial for sustaining long-term success and fostering an environment of trust and collaboration.
6. Adaptability: Navigating Change
In today’s rapidly evolving world, adaptability is another critical trait for reputable leadership. Leaders must be flexible and open to adjusting their strategies and approaches in response to changing circumstances. The ability to pivot when necessary, without losing sight of the overarching goals, is essential.
Adaptability is closely linked with curiosity. As John F. Kennedy stated, “Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other.” Leaders must remain flexible and willing to evolve with changing circumstances. In the era of rapid technological advancement, this is more critical than ever. Leaders who are rigid in their thinking will soon find themselves outpaced.
Adaptability also requires humility—the willingness to admit when a course of action isn’t working and to seek new solutions. Leaders who can embrace change and view it as an opportunity rather than a threat are better positioned to succeed. As Charles Darwin observed, “It is not the strongest of the species that survive, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change.”
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella recently underscored the critical role of adaptive leadership in navigating today’s dynamic business landscape. In a conversation with LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman, Nadella highlighted three essential qualities for effective leaders: clarity, energy, and problem-solving.
“In an era marked by rapid change and uncertainty, leaders must maintain a positive outlook and a steadfast commitment to their goals,” Nadella asserted. “The true measure of leadership is the ability to illuminate complex situations, inspire teams, and overcome seemingly insurmountable challenges.”
Nadella also stressed the significance of soft skills in leadership, emphasizing the importance of human connection. He noted that employees are primarily motivated by their relationships with colleagues, rather than by organizational policies. “To create a thriving work environment,” Nadella stated, “leaders must foster meaningful experiences and connections among their teams.”
Addressing a growing internal challenge, Nadella discussed the “productivity paradox” at Microsoft. This phenomenon, characterized by a discrepancy between managers’ perceptions of employee performance and employees’ self-reported workload, is a subject of active investigation within the company. Nadella acknowledged the complexity of this issue and outlined the company’s ongoing efforts to address it.
Conclusion
Becoming a leader of repute is a journey marked by intentionality, courage, curiosity, and an unwavering commitment to personal and professional growth. It’s about defining a leadership philosophy that reflects your core values, embracing discomfort to push yourself and your team forward, and staying curious to continuously evolve and adapt.
True leadership is a living, breathing practice, constantly shaped by the moments that matter, whether big or small. The most effective leaders understand that their development never truly ends—they are always learning, always growing, and always looking for ways to make a meaningful impact. By focusing on these principles, leaders can build a legacy of trust, integrity, and innovation, shaping not only their futures but the futures of those they lead. As Mahatma Gandhi said, “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”