Mindtree Intl , 11 Dec 2023

THE TRIAD OF TRANSFORMATION

The Triad of Transformation

There seems to be a prevalent tendency among many people, to underestimate the importance of leadership and take it for granted.

The reason for this is that, over the years, misconceptions have been passed down from one generation to another, the perpetuation of this mindset of accepting without any urge to analyze and experiment, has only made this issue worse. This is not limited to the realm of leadership alone; it extends to various other concepts of life as well.

 

Have you ever come across the ongoing debate around this question "Are leaders born or made?"

 

Ever since I learned about leadership, I have been scrutinizing this principle, and whenever I witness a debate on a particular aspect of leadership, I feel a strong urge in me to research, study and understand, so I can share a solid answer that could prompt others to see it from another perspective.

 

I would then say "Leaders are born but true leaders are made". We are all leaders by nature and we possess leadership qualities, considering that, either our current situation has been influenced by someone's guidance, or we have influenced those around us by our actions, often unintentionally.

True leadership is a journey! At their core, true leaders are measured by the capacity to foster a culture of authenticity with the self, service, and genuine connection that inspires individuals to reach their highest potential, and not by family in heritage, social state, titles or accolades. In today's world, there seems to be a disproportionate focus on developing the skillset, while neglecting the deeper aspects of the leadership mindset. Consequently, in my sessions, I always endeavor to emphasize on the importance of cultivating leadership awareness.

 

To me, true leadership is a mindset, rather than just a set of skills. Skillset comes second!

 

Let's pivot on the triad of transformation in the journey of becoming a true leader. The three aspects of the triad are:

 

•           Character: The essence of leadership

•           Inspiration: The radiation of character

•           Influence: The impact of inspiration

 

A true leader is a combination of Virtues, Values and Morals. His leadership must reflect that.

 

True leadership is going beyond the skills and abilities that one may possess! Character in leadership is an essential and fundamental aspect that defines a leader's Virtues, Values, principles and Morals. The primary focus is on their moral compass and integrity.

 

The unwavering nature of a leader's character forms the essence of true leadership. It is the consistency of character that allows others to rely and depend on a leader, knowing that he or she can be trusted.

Leadership, without the protection of a trustworthy character, can have detrimental effects on those who follow or look up to a leader. It can result drastic consequences, such as confusion and a lack of direction.

 

In the realm of leadership, the character, which I call 'the essence of leadership' knows that inspiration is an inside job. Being intentional about personal growth and leading oneself is the driving force behind the inspirational radiance that inspires others.

 

Inspiration is the radiant expression of the character's unwavering commitment and relentless hard work, followed by a sense of responsibility towards the radiation that he exerts on the world.

 

Through this authentic dedication to self-growth, one often unknowingly becomes someone's inspiration􀀁

Now, with that being said, it is crucial to recognize that true leadership does not rely on forceful or manipulative tactics, therefore it is essential to examine our understanding of a very important aspect of leadership, and that is 'influence'. The majority of people perceive this aspect to be an objective of leadership, and this leads to a potentially disastrous approach. This perspective overlooks the genuine and authentic connection that true leaders should strive to establish.

 

Unlike inspiration, which emerges from within, influence is an outside job. It refers to the ability to have a sway on someone's thoughts, beliefs, or actions. It involves the power to persuade, to guide others in a particular direction, or even coercion to achieve desired outcomes.

When influence becomes a primary goal, it holds the risk of being misused by individuals who resort to manipulation.

 

In my opinion, a simple statement can make all the difference and, as a true leadership catalyst aiming to develop daily in the realm of leadership, I firmly assert that 'true leadership is inspiration'. This statement underscores the hard work that there is to be done, and the importance of continuous growth and improvement on oneself. On the other hand, if I were to assert that 'leadership is influence', this would imply that influence becomes the central focus and primary objective of leadership. Whoever adopts this idea will aim to employ any means necessary to exert influence over others. Any mindset that is fixated on external influence can lead to the utilization of manipulative tactics, ultimately compromising the true essence of leadership. This is especially true, if individuals lack awareness of the ethical and authentic aspects of leadership!

 

This is why I describe influence as the natural outcome of inspiration, with inspiration itself being the ultimate objective of leadership.

 

In conclusion, it is undeniable that, in the absence of character, a leader's strength is compromised! A character without inspiration resembles a flame without intensity. It is critical to approach influence with extreme caution, as it holds the power to be empowering or destructive.

 

By: Dr. Houssam Makki

Author I Speaker I True Leadership Catalyst 

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