Within the 4 core tenets of leadership lies the key to unlocking your business’s boundless potential. Embrace passion, resilience, learning, and nurturing relationships to lead your franchise and advance your vision.
“A leader is one or more people who selects, equips, trains, and influences one or more follower(s) who have diverse gifts, abilities, and skills and focuses the follower(s) to the organization’s mission and objectives causing the follower(s) to willingly and enthusiastically expend spiritual, emotional, and physical energy in a concerted coordinated effort to achieve the organizational mission and objectives.” (Winston & Patterson, 2006, p. 7)
Leadership comes in different forms:
- Democratic – Barack Obama
- Autocratic – Steve Jobs
- Laissez-Faire – Richard Branson
- Servant – Mahatma Gandhi
- Inspirational – Nelson Mandela
- Strategic – Elon Musk
- Transformational – Ronald Reagan: As the 40th President of the United States, Reagan had a charismatic and inspirational leadership approach that aimed to bring about significant change and transformation.
He was known for his ability to communicate a compelling vision, inspire others to achieve their full potential, and rally support for his policies and initiatives. Reagan’s leadership style focused on motivating and empowering others, fostering a sense of shared purpose, and encouraging innovation and growth.
No matter what leadership style an effective leader uses, these 4 core tenets are present:
- Passion for the organization’s vision and mission – (Malala Fund): Malala Yousafzai, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate and activist, exemplifies the love for her organization’s vision and mission.
Through the Malala Fund, she advocates for girls’ education worldwide and works to empower young girls to fulfill their potential. Yousafzai’s journey and unwavering dedication to education equality highlight her passion for the fund’s mission.
- “Nothing can stop us” mindset/grit/resilience – After surviving an assassination attempt by the Taliban, Malala faced physical and emotional challenges. However, she refused to let the attack deter her from her mission. Instead, she used the incident as a catalyst to amplify her voice and continue her fight for education and equality.
- A habit of and Intellectual capacity to learn – Despite facing immense adversity and a near-fatal attack, Malala remains committed to her education. She actively seeks opportunities to expand her knowledge and understanding of various subjects, recognizing the transformative power of education.
- A network of strong relationships to support them – While Malala Yousafzai is from Pakistan, her remarkable journey and development of sustaining relationships began in her hometown of Mingora, located in the Swat Valley of Pakistan. As a young girl, Malala’s father, Ziauddin Yousafzai, played a significant role in shaping her beliefs and encouraging her to pursue education and activism.
Malala developed strong relationships with her family within her community, particularly her father, an educational activist and school owner. He instilled in Malala the importance of education and supported her in raising her voice against the Taliban’s ban on education for girls. Malala’s mother, Toor Pekai, also provided support and encouragement.
Malala’s network of supporting relationships expanded as she began to advocate for girls’ education. She gained the support and friendship of fellow students, teachers, and community members who shared her passion for teaching and recognized the importance of her cause. Malala’s activism brought her into contact with various organizations, NGOs, and activists working in education and women’s rights. These connections helped amplify her message and provided her a platform to reach a wider audience.
Additionally, Malala’s story and courage resonated with people worldwide. Her advocacy and resilience inspired individuals from all walks of life, including political leaders, celebrities, and activists, who offered their support and became part of her network of allies. Through her speeches, interviews, and public appearances, Malala continued to connect with individuals and organizations who shared her commitment to education and gender equality.
Despite facing adversity and threats, Malala’s determination, eloquence, and unwavering commitment to her cause helped her forge solid relationships and build a global network of supporters. Her story is a testament to the power of individual actions and the ability to create meaningful connections for a common purpose.
The assassination attempt on Malala Yousafzai occurred on October 9, 2012. On that day, Malala, who was 15 years old at the time, was targeted by the Taliban while riding a bus home from school in the Swat Valley region of Pakistan. She was shot in the head and neck, sustaining severe injuries.
The Taliban attacked in response to her advocacy for girls’ education and her outspokenness against the Taliban’s ban on education for girls in the region. The assassination attempt garnered global attention and thrust Malala into the spotlight as a symbol of resilience, courage, and the fight for education rights.
The best-known examples of inspirational servant leadership are Gandhi, Martin Luther King Jr., and Jesus; MLK and Jesus gave up their lives fulfilling their mission.
An excerpt from MLK Jr.’s “Letter from a Birmingham Jail” shows his resilient mindset leading the desegregation movement:
“We began a series of workshops on non-violence, and we repeatedly asked ourselves, ‘Are you able to accept blows without retaliation?’ ‘Are you able to endure the ordeal of jail?'”
Understanding the Core Tenets Across Leadership Styles
Democratic Leadership: For leaders adopting a democratic style, passion for the organization’s vision and mission fosters a collective sense of purpose. Engaging team members in discussions about the organization’s goals and values empowers them to connect emotionally with their tasks, fueling their commitment and dedication.
Autocratic Leadership: An authoritarian leader can embrace the “nothing can stop us” mindset by instilling unwavering confidence in their vision. Effectively communicating the rationale behind decisions and illustrating a clear path to success builds trust and inspires team members to follow with unyielding determination.
Laissez-Faire Leadership: Embodying a habit of and intellectual capacity to learn, laissez-faire leaders create a culture of continuous improvement. Encouraging experimentation, acknowledging failures as learning opportunities, and seeking feedback fosters a growth mindset among team members.
Practical Strategies to Develop Your Leadership Attributes
Passion for Your Vision: Leaders can cultivate passion by openly sharing their commitment to the organization’s vision and values. Regularly communicate the impact of the team’s collective efforts on achieving the vision, celebrating milestones, and acknowledging contributions.
Resilient Mindset: Nurturing resilience involves acknowledging challenges as stepping stones to growth. Leaders can foster team resilience by providing support and resources during difficult times, celebrating strength in action, and promoting a supportive and compassionate work environment.
Embracing Learning: To encourage a learning culture, leaders can set an example by actively seeking growth opportunities, such as attending workshops, sharing knowledge, and promoting continuous development within the team.
Grow and Strengthen Supportive Relationships: Leaders grow their network of trusted advisors by prioritizing genuine relationships with individuals who share their values and vision. Attend industry events, conferences, and networking gatherings to connect with like-minded professionals. Engage in meaningful conversations, listen actively, and show genuine interest in other’s perspectives and expertise.
To foster a diverse network of advisors, be open to connecting with individuals from different industries, backgrounds, and experiences. Embrace diversity in thought and seek perspectives that challenge your assumptions. Creating a diverse network allows you to tap into various insights and knowledge.
In today’s digital age, utilize social media platforms, professional networking websites, and online forums to expand your network. Engage in discussions, share valuable content, and join relevant groups to connect with professionals who can offer practical advice and support.
