OK, the title of this post is a bit misleading, but the truth is, if you’re lonely as a leader, you’re probably not leading. Within it’s very nature, leadership requires you to be surrounded by other people. If you’re a lonely leader, it’s time to take some notes (and then some action).
Looking up: Yes, there should be someone that even you are accountable to. Maybe it’s the board of directors, maybe it’s your partner, maybe it’s God, maybe it’s a mentor. Regardless, you should have someone above/beyond you that, while you may lead them some, they’re also helping you lead.
Looking down: There should be a gathering of people following you, these would be considered your customers, congregants or clients. People will come and go, that’s part of a healthy life cycle. But there shouldn’t be a time when you look around and wonder where all the people went.
Looking around: this is one of the most important parts of you as a leader: the people around you, or your team. Maybe it’s the person who answers the phones for you, maybe it’s your bartenders, maybe it’s your virtual assistant; regardless of who is around you, these people often come into contact with your most valuable asset, the customers and clients. If you don’t have a good team around you, get one!
Leadership isn’t something you can do if you’re all alone. Leadership requires you to interact with people and guiding them to becoming the best they can. I encourage you to do two things this week. First, celebrate and recognize all the people around you, they make you into the leader you are. Second, if you couldn’t find anyone to recognize, get out there and start connecting!