Leadership as a lifestyle is a concept that goes beyond traditional ideas of leadership as a role or position in an organisation. It is a way of living that emphasises commitment, growth, and development. It involves taking responsibility for our choices and striving to be the best version of ourselves.
The idea of leadership as a way of living is rooted in the belief that we have agency over our own lives, have the power to shape our destiny, and are responsible for our own success and happiness. By embracing this mindset, we can begin to see ourselves as leaders, regardless of our position or title.
Leadership as a lifestyle also involves taking care of yourself so that you are then in a better position to take care of others. This means taking care of our physical, mental, and emotional well-being so that we are better equipped to lead and support those around us. As John C. Maxwell writes, “If you can become the leader you ought to be on the inside, you will be able to become the leader you want to be on the outside.”
In order to embody leadership as a lifestyle, we must make a conscientious effort to build others up, put others first, be a great team member, have a positive attitude, encourage others, do the difficult tasks, take notes, ask questions, seek help, and strive to gain knowledge and wisdom.
These are not just behaviours we should exhibit in our professional lives, but principles that can guide our actions and help us make decisions. By making leadership a way of living, we can create a ripple effect that extends beyond our own lives. We can inspire others to embrace their own leadership potential and create a culture of empowerment and growth.
Leadership as a lifestyle challenges us to be the best version of ourselves. By embracing this mindset, we can become the leaders that we all have the capacity to be, and inspire others to do the same.