I now design leadership programs myself, but in the past, I regulary was a participant in management development programs and training sessions. Almost always the question was asked that I now also use: which leader has positively influenced you; who is your role model? I would then talk about my supervisor who never took credit for other peoples ideas but took me with him to the board to let me tell my story; he wanted me to 'shine.' And about the director who readily set aside her own ideas because she wanted to go for the best plan, and it didn't have to be hers.
In the past, I think I focused more on what someone did or did not do. From the perspective of my current role, I really see that the men and women I admired and still admire, from whom I truly learned, share the same qualities. The common denominator for me is that these leaders were genuinely motivated to do what was best for the organization and the development of their team members, without letting their ego play any role.
You might think, is that really something special? But still! Many leaders feel a certain pressure in their work, especially pressure from self-imposed expectations regarding their own performance, status, and career.
Not everyone can avoid letting the ego come into play. And I can speak from my own experience; I've really fallen into all possible pitfalls...
How valuable is it now to use these insights and experiences to help others develop into inspiring leaders. Full circle, so to speak.
Noortje Bloch