As a Leader, Do You Reflect the 7 Colours of the Rainbow?
Here’s a look at Rainbow Leadership, a whole spectrum of traits that are often reflected in stellar leadership…
Author Donald Ahrens, in an article, describes the rainbow as — ‘One of the most spectacular light shows observed on earth.’
The article further states — ‘Most people have never noticed that the sun is always behind you when you face a rainbow… The rain, of course, is in the direction of the rainbow.’
For me, a rainbow reflects life’s greatest truths — transience, technicolour experiences, and hope.
With the metaphorical pot of gold at the end of a rainbow, we chase not just a ‘spectacular’ sight, but a story of hope.
This is also what good leadership is about — A leader brings with him a sense of purpose, shows you the big picture, and makes you part of it.
A leader plays the role of the sun, who stands behind you, pushes you forward, and lets you absorb the seven-coloured spectrum of beauty that you’ve created.
Creating the VIBGYOR then could be the primary purpose of every leader. So, here are the seven takeaways from the acronym, and the leadership traits they could stand for.
Read on for more…
Values
Leadership is about creating values. Values that reflect who you are and what you stand for… Values that will eventually take you or your organisation forward, and keep it together for years to come.
Your commitment to values like integrity, high standards of excellence, and compassion toward people and the environment, will eventually translate into the DNA of every product and venture that your organisation undertakes.
Inclusion
In an article, Simma Lieberman says — ‘Inclusionist leaders intentionally LBO — Look Beyond the Obvious, to recognize, develop and promote employees that may not fit the traditional mold.’
Good leaders are inclusionists — they include new ideas, different people and working styles, and even contrarians. They embrace different points of view, accept shortcomings, and include all in their common mission.
For instance, in an organisation, the shy guy who doesn’t speak up in a meeting is as important, and should be encouraged to share his views one-on-one instead.
In this way, being inclusive will help leaders leverage their team’s diversity.
Belief
A famous Walt Disney quote goes — ‘First think, second believe, third dream, finally dare.’
Most ventures survive the test of time because the people behind it have believed in its vision…
They believe in the beauty of what they are creating, its importance to the world, the strengths of the people who work toward it, and the enterprise’s ultimate rewards.
Like the rainbow’s pot of gold, the founders believe the rewards will come, and in abundance!
Growth
A good leader ensures everyone gets equal opportunities to grow. And, for each person, growth may have a different meaning: Some may want a jump in salary, some more creative license, some recognition, while still others may simply want more time with family.
A good leader identifies what makes each tick, and encourages growth in that direction… Growth in individuals eventually translates to growth for the organisation.
Entrepreneur Richard Branson of the Virgin Group once said: ‘My philosophy is, put your employees first, your customers second and your investors third and, in the end, everyone will be happy.’
Youthfulness
Staying connected with the young, displaying youthful energy, and listening to ideas from the youth, all go into making leaders more effective and responsive to today’s dynamic markets.
Most successful people are often seen chatting with young people, and understanding the current generation’s angst. They may do this through social media, or through teaching stints in schools and colleges.
So, as leaders, try to engage with the youth through various channels, connect with them more deeply, understand their challenges, and mentor them if needed.
Organisation
Effective leadership is an outcome of good organisational abilities. Juggling multiple tasks and people is never easy. For this time management is key — the ability to optimise each moment and put it to good use.
Multi-tasking, though considered a myth, can be a useful tool…the key is to combine two easy tasks, rather than two complex tasks.
Another good idea is to build systems that run independent of you. The more you delegate and empower employees, the more productive they will become.
Responsibility
The buck in leadership finally stops at the leader...
When things go wrong, when projects fail, when decisions seem faulty, a good leader always accepts responsibility.
And, when the team watches him lead by example, they follow suit…setting off a whole chain of new leaders!
The article was first published on Common Sense Living, a digital publication with new-age lifestyle and wealth-building ideas.
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