L-FIRE Leadership

L-FIRE LEADERSHIP

L-FIRE leadership is significantly different from what you probably thought when you first read the title. To some of you, it may sound dangerous, or hot, or disturbing and maybe even profane. L-FIRE leadership is none of that. In truth, it is the antithesis. Therein lies the intrigue.

L-FIRE leaders change the world.

What do you think of when you hear the word, fire? Hot! Fiery? Engaged! Smokin'! On fire? And more, justifiably so. Let's stick with fiery. To be fiery is to be bold and brave. L-fire leaders are most definitely fiery. They are bold and brave because they are going to accomplish more and engage more people than others. Teams follow leaders who are bold and brave. They accomplish more. They successfully reach and surpass goals.

L-Fire leaders inspire others! How do you do that? By "doing what you say you will do." By fulfilling all of the promises you make which in turn builds trust and loyalty. Everyone wants to be inspired; we all want to do more than we think we can do. Inspire others by living up to and surpassing the expectations you have of others.

L-Fire leaders believe in reciprocity. They believe in giving back. They believe in and exhibit the ethics of the Golden Rule. They "do unto others as you would have them do unto you." They treat others as they want to be treated. Consistently, often, always.

L-Fire leaders exude energy and enthusiasm. They generate excitement. These three "Es" are highly contagious. They spread like wildfire. Energy, enthusiasm and excitement create more E3. With E3 teams produce more, do more good and influence more people than ever imagined. To produce E3 liberally express your passion. Be passionate about your goals and plans! Spread it throughout your teams.

Having covered the "F.I.R.E in L-Fire, are you wondering if the "L" has been left out? If so, I have succeeded in sparking your curiosity and keeping your attention.

At the beginning of the word, the "L" represents the best part. And the best is truly best when saved until last.

The "L"in L-Fire stands for LOVE!

• Love what you do!
• Love the people you lead!
• Love the people who lead you!
• Love the ideals and purposes of your goals!

Keep in mind, the entire concept of L-Fire leadership is predicated on making others greater than yourself. Doing so requires the practice of L-Fire Leadership. You, too, can be an L-Fire leader!

The message of this blog finally emerged in keynotes just this year. The idea has been percolating for several years. Intermittently, the points would stampede through my mind like a herd of elephants. Finally, those elephants got my undivided attention and I listened realizing the importance of the message.

"Me First" Leadership

There's the good, the bad and the ugly in "Me First Leadership."

I know what you're thinking. You're thinking there can be no good in me first leadership. It's all the bad and the ugly. Set aside the me first leadership practiced by uncaring managers, selfish employers or greedy CEOs. That's not leadership and doesn't deserve the title with or without the me first defining it.

Instead, let's explore the possibilities of me first leadership in this context. To be an effective leader, you must first lead yourself. Here's the crux of it. How can you lead others if you cannot lead yourself.

Me first leadership then, among other things, means that you learn and practice good communication skills. You know the importance of being organized, disciplined and timely. You understand the value of "walking in another's shoes" so you are empathetic. You know the importance of respect which leads to the all important trust. You fully realize if you make a commitment, you fulfill that commitment. For good measure, let's throw in another element - that of civility. You treat others with civility at all times which now seems to be out of the norm.

This is especially important in a time when our airwaves are crowded with people talking and shouting over each other; negative criticism of all actions and ideas seems to be the order of the day, every day; and reality shows featuring daily discord and disagreement run rampant. Civility seems almost archaic in its use or lack thereof.

Makes leading yourself, or me first leadership all the more important. But, only in the very beginning.

It is important that you transition out of the "me first" phase quickly. After that transition, it's no longer about you, it's about others. However, with the learning you've experienced as a foundation, you are now prepared to be a good leader. At all times, you consider the impact your actions, words and decisions has on others as well as the organization. You have moved on to "we're in this together" leadership.

In this scenario, consider me first leadership a phase, not unlike adolescence or teen age years. All about self-focus, it is a phase leaders go through on their leadership journey.

Energy, Enthusiasm, Excitement and Efforts Equal Exceptional Results

There's something about the use of alliteration that registers phrases and statements in your mind so that they stick with you and are easily recalled.

"The Top of the Eye Chart." is a speech I was impelled to give when I was experiencing vision challenges. I had to read an eye chart so frequently that I reached the point I could recite it with my eyes closed. Well, not quite. However, that big, bold "E" at the top became emblazoned in my mind. From that came the speech and along with it a realization that there are numerous empowering words that begin with the letter, "E".

For example: Leaders who exhibit energy and enthusiasm engage others in their vision and mission. Individuals want to be a part of whatever it is represented by that energy and enthusiasm. The excitement builds. As a result even more people embrace the purpose and are eagerly swept up in it as the events unfold. Their united efforts result in exceptional success.

Alliteration notwithstanding, the previous statement about leadership is tried, tested and true. Now just where is the "T" on that eye chart?

Influence

There's something thought-provoking about getting back to your blog to discover a year has passed since the last post. The shocker is that it seems like only yesterday. This discovery raises awareness about all that has happened over the past 365 days.

Of note for me, is that the word influence is currently being used synonymously with leadership - true leadership. Suddenly influence is the word used by many different organizations in their themes, promotions and is considered a characteristic of great value and importance.

We influence in many ways. Through financial, political and position power for sure, but more importantly, we influence others because of who we are and how we, well, 'er, how we influence people.

Mentoring is an obvious way to influence another. Being in a leadership position allows us the freedom to influence. We influence through our actions. We influence because we have or do something others want to have or do or we have a skill or talent others want to learn.

Influence is not to be taken lightly. It is something that can be used both positively or negatively. Whether you have it because of position, personality, or persuasion, along with it comes responsibility. Everyone has influence to one degree or another. How it is used is a mark of character. Take a moment on this day and decide how and when you do, and will, use your influence.

Signs of a Leader

Did you watch the Academy Awards this year?

If you did, and if your leadership radar was tuned on and up, you would have picked up on the subtle actions of a leader. It was an oasis in a desert barren of leadership. It was a sight to behold.

Many newly pronounced Oscar owners went slightly out of their way to pass by this leader to be congratulated as they made their way toward the stage. They were rewarded with hugs, smiles, emotional embraces, and simply, yet warmly, acknowledged for their achievements.

As the show progressed this leader appeared more obvious because of the number of winners who made sure of the connection.

It was not until the conclusion of the program that the leader and the leadership became apparent. Then, when Kathryn Bigelow was announced as the Oscar winner for best director and again when “The Hurt Locker” was announced as the best picture of the year Kathryn Bigelow’s pure of heart leadership took center stage.

We heard leadership in her comments, felt it in her passion, and most importantly, palpably saw it in the sense of teamness, family, and togetherness that was on that stage among the cast and crew. Something that only an extraordinary leader brings out in a group.

Something we need to see, experience and hear more of and in many, many different situations and venues.