Unlocking Leadership Success: Discovering the 3 Pillars of Leadership

Unlocking Leadership Success: Discovering the 3 Pillars of Leadership

Leadership success is a top priority for organizations, and it hinges on many key factors. However, at the core of it all, there are three pillars that stand tall and keep everything together. Understanding these three pillars of leadership is important for anyone who aspires to be a great leader or for those who want to elevate their existing leadership capabilities.

So, what are the three pillars of leadership? Let’s dive in.

1. People: Leaders Must Put People First

The success of any organization is dependent on its people. Leaders must understand the power of their people and ensure they are engaged, motivated and inspired. It is not just about the goal, the product, or the profit. It’s about the people who make it possible. When leaders prioritize their people, they create a culture of belonging and collaboration which is essential for long-term success.

Great leaders keep their ears open to the concerns of their people and are always looking for ways to motivate and inspire them to reach their full potential. They recognize their employees’ hard work and dedication and reward them accordingly.

One excellent example of a leader who prioritized people is Tony Hsieh, the former CEO of Zappos. Under his leadership, Zappos became a billion-dollar company by prioritizing customer service and employee happiness. Hsieh believed that if employees were happy, customers would be happy, and the company would thrive.

2. Purpose: Leadership Requires a Clear Vision and Purpose

While people are the driving force behind any organization, having a clear and meaningful vision is a crucial aspect of leadership success. Leaders must have a strong understanding of their purpose and ensure that their actions align with that purpose. Without a clear purpose, teams can quickly get lost in the day-to-day tasks and lose sight of the bigger picture.

Great leaders keep their teams focused on the organization’s mission and goals. They communicate that vision clearly and often to ensure everyone is moving in the same direction. They celebrate wins together, learn from losses, and keep everyone inspired and motivated towards the bigger picture.

One excellent example of a leader who kept his team focused on a clear purpose is Jack Welch, the former CEO of General Electric. Welch developed the Vision 2000 strategy, which set clear goals for every division of GE, including market share and revenue targets. The result was a massive turnaround for GE, with its market value skyrocketing during Welch’s tenure.

3. Performance: Leadership Must Drive Results

At the end of the day, leadership success depends on results. Leaders must drive performance and ensure that their teams are working towards the organization’s goals. However, driving results can not be at the expense of people or purpose. It must be done in a way that is respectful and aligned with the organization’s overall vision.

Great leaders set clear expectations for performance and hold their teams accountable for achieving them. They provide constructive feedback and support their teams in any way possible. They also ensure that their teams have the resources and support necessary to deliver results.

One excellent example of a leader who drove results while maintaining a great culture is Carla Harris, the Vice Chairman of Wealth Management and Senior Client Advisor at Morgan Stanley. Harris is a successful investment banker known for her motivational speeches and advice for young professionals. Her book, “Expect to Win,” is a testament to her leadership philosophy of driving results while creating a culture of inclusion and diversity.

Conclusion

In summary, the three pillars of leadership are people, purpose, and performance. Great leaders prioritize people, communicate a clear purpose, and drive results. They lead with empathy, motivate with vision, and execute with diligence. Understanding these three pillars of leadership is essential for anyone who wants to be a great leader. By prioritizing people, purpose, and performance, leaders can achieve success while creating a culture of inclusion, diversity, and respect.