Essence

My journey of self-improvement as a leader often leads me to explore the distinctions between leaders and managers. Christopher I. Maxwell's book, "Lead Like a Guide: How World-Class Mountain Guides Inspire Us to Be Better Leaders," has been a significant source of inspiration.

He presents a view on leadership that moves away from the traditional mentorship model I have read so much about and toward a more mountain-climbing-guide approach.

Maxwell's guide perspective encapsulates the essence of leadership - empowering people to succeed by fostering trust and confidence in their abilities.

After rereading his book, I will elaborate further in the coming posts in this series on the six leadership strengths he writes about, as they remain relevant to me as a foundation for my striving to be a better leader.

The risk-aware trust-builder

As a CTO, I operate in a high-speed business environment, making daily decisions that span multiple workstreams and involve many stakeholders. 

In the past, I have managed these demands by using more mentoring rather than guiding. My role as a leader is to create an environment that empowers people to work in ways that best fit them and align with the broader business's needs.

According to Maxwell, a guide understands when a situation calls for a different leadership style based on the risks at hand and adapts accordingly. By removing obstacles in employees' way so they can succeed and ensuring they always have their leaders' support, even if it means adjusting the approach, trust is solidified.

”I like to think of this as the essence of leadership."

Every time I revisit Maxwell's book, I am reminded of the importance of embracing flexibility in my leadership style. Trusting my instincts to adapt my approach to the unique dynamics of my workplace not only guides those seeking my guidance but also sets a flexible, adaptable tone for the entire team.

Shifting from managing to guiding others incorporates many new leadership elements. It requires a strategic and forward-thinking mindset to build a sustainable business with an infinite mindset that people will support and want to work for.

I always have to practice applying different leadership styles when needed, as the constant stream of tasks can make it easy to fall into a management rut. Maxwell discusses this, but leaders must be courageous enough to disconnect and gain perspective.

”Part of how that happens is by stepping back and taking a wider view."

Unfortunately, many leaders today focus only on short-term insights to inform their decision-making. They overlook the risks and fail to keep the bigger picture in mind because, like me, they can easily get caught up in the daily demands of constant decision-making or in glorifying busyness.

While that may temporarily solve immediate problems, it doesn't empower those in your charge or create the necessary environment for growth.

”Become the leader you always wanted to work for."

By balancing the need for flexibility with a foundation of trust, leaders looking to grow their leadership skills should focus on guiding people and taking time to consider the bigger picture.

The Guiding Leader

Thinking of leadership from a guide's perspective gives a fresh take on what makes a good leader. If you are in a leadership position, Maxwell provides some core building blocks to help you guide others.

When you have trust, it's easier to guide people and help them grow. Moreover, you empower them to give a little extra, which is how organizations remain sustainable and prosperous.

These are the fundamentals I strive for in my leadership. They serve as a constant reminder of the areas I need to work on and the kind of leader I aspire to be. This journey towards a more infinite mindset is a commitment to continuous self-improvement.

In the next post in this series, I will discuss how, as a leader, I must be aware of others and their actions, understand where people are coming from, and guide them with encouragement and support.