“Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,” 2 Timothy 1:9 KJV
Authentic leaders make intentional decisions aligned with what is right. They don’t twist facts to fit their narrative; instead, they embrace reality without judgment and intentionally adjust to fulfill their purpose.
Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond tells the story of leading the first bombing mission of the 1st Gulf War. On the way back to their base, mission control in the nearby AWACS orders Gentner to take out another aircraft that the instruments tell them is hostile.
AG Drummond peeled back to carry out his orders, but his gut told him something was off. He quickly calculated his options and chance for success if he did a fly-by recon of the “wounded” aircraft.
As he approached the unknown, command orders him for the 3d time to take down the aircraft from a safe distance. The 3d order is from the field general.
The young leader did not follow orders and was arrested when he landed. Some time passes, and word travels to the base that the person saved is a high-profile friendly.
Once the cuffs were removed, AG Drummond received a commendation.
Self-Awareness is the Starting Point
True intentionality begins with self-awareness. Understanding oneself is not an act of selfishness but a crucial foundation for effective leadership. Understanding how and the level of impact a leader possesses is critical in all interactions.
96% of executives in a Stanford College of Business survey ranked self-awareness as the number one attribute for leaders.
Characteristics of Intentional Leaders
Embracing the Significance of Everyone and Everything
Intentional leaders adopt a mindset where everyone and everything matters. This perspective extends beyond mere acknowledgment, fostering a culture of inclusivity and value.
Actions Aligning with Words
Consistency is vital for intentional leaders. Doing what they say builds trust and credibility, establishing a solid foundation for effective leadership.
Purpose-Driven Leadership
In contrast to ego-driven pursuits, intentional leaders are purpose-driven. Their actions are guided by a higher calling, focusing on the greater good rather than personal glory.
Expanding Mastery within the Team
Intentional leaders strive for the expansion of their team’s mastery. Create your systems to empower individuals to reach their full potential, creating a ripple effect of growth within the organization.
Energetic Leadership
Intentional leaders exude energy that inspires and motivates. This vigor creates a dynamic atmosphere, propelling the team towards shared goals.
Balanced Living and Interconnectedness
Intentionally living involves recognizing the interconnectedness of life. Intentional leaders strive for balance, acknowledging that personal and professional aspects coexist harmoniously.
Versatile Communication
Effective communication is a hallmark of intentional leaders. They adapt their communication style to each interaction, ensuring their message resonates with diverse audiences.
In the tapestry of intentional leadership, each thread represents a deliberate choice woven with purpose and guided by a higher calling. As franchise owners embrace intentionality, they pave the way for success, creating a legacy that extends beyond the confines of the business realm.
9 Actions for Practicing Intentional Leadership
Franchise owners add to their intentionality when implementing these 8 actions:
- Self-Reflection: Dedicate time for regular self-reflection to enhance self-awareness.
- Consistent Follow-Through: Align actions with commitments to build trust and credibility.
- Define Clear Vision, Mission, and Values: Develop a clear purpose statements for yourself and your team.
- Encourage Continuous Learning: Foster an environment where team members can expand their skills.
- Balanced Work-Life Decisions: Understand the interconnectedness of life and design your systems to reward balance and productivity.
- Adaptive Communication Training: Provide training on adapting communication styles for different contexts.
- Team Mastery Development Plans: Create personalized development plans for team members.
- Community Engagement Programs: Initiate priorities contributing to the community’s well-being.
- Leadership Mentorship Programs: Establish mentorship programs to guide and support team members.
The Franchise Owner’s Dashboard (FOD) is a powerful ally for franchise owners committed to intentional leadership. It offers a clear snapshot of your purposeful leadership, empowering owners to make informed decisions in alignment with their purpose and vision.
Regularly engaging with the FOD becomes a strategic habit, guiding franchise owners to nurture team mastery and drive long-term success. This tool isn’t just about numbers; it’s about enhancing leadership capacity and maximizing the value and profitability of the business.
