Leadership is about relationships and influence.
Have you ever watched a child scream and throw tantrums to get what they want? In Brazil, we have a saying for this that translates to “win by scream.” The child believes imposing a specific behavior will make their parents do whatever they want. Good parents will not allow this behavior because of its negative impact on their child’s future.
Some believe leadership is also built around the theory of “win by scream.” Leaders will try to impose their leadership, using force and manipulation to get what they want. Sometimes this shows up when a leader raises their voice or leverages their position to ensure their ideas win. They may get what they want in the short term, but all it truly reveals is a lack of leadership.
People want to serve leaders whose vision they believe in. Leadership is about relationships and influence, not position, status, and strong-arming to get what you want. When relationships and influence are established, trust is grounded. When trust is grounded, relationships (and organizations) flourish. If none of these things take place, it’s only a matter of time before things get messy.
Leadership is something to be built and earned no matter your position. Don’t try to win your leadership by screaming! Sooner or later, you will realize that you’ve lost the opportunity to succeed and have a team that trusts you. Successful leadership happens as you drive results while at the same time building relationships.
Eduardo Mendes
Founder and President
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