Corporate Leadership: How To Grow Into a Leadership Role?
Bitesized Expertise Featuring Anne Leslie of IBM
In the third episode of "Bitesized Expertise" by Contextual Solutions, Anne Leslie, a seasoned cybersecurity and cloud leader from IBM, delved deep into the essence of leadership.
Elif Kocaoglu Ulbrich of Contextual Solutions moderated the interview with Anne. This episode was exceptional for the participants as Anne and Elif worked together on the AI Book in 2019 (before AI was a thing!).
Image: Markus Spiske (Unsplash)
Anne's career trajectory is diverse, having worked in banking, insurance, software sales, and now leading Cloud Risk and Controls at IBM Cloud for Financial Services. Her journey underscores a fundamental leadership lesson: the importance of self-leadership and embracing one’s entire personality, both strengths and weaknesses, which she describes as making peace with one’s "shadow."
Let’s take a look at the highlights of the LinkedIn Live event that took place on March 20th.
The Meaning of “True Leadership”
Anne's insights on leadership emphasize that true leaders are recognized not just by their titles or authority but by their ability to inspire and motivate others willingly. Effective leadership is characterized by traits such as curiosity, humanity, and a genuine concern for the well-being of others. Leaders who possess these qualities create environments where employees feel valued and, as a result, are motivated to exceed expectations.
When inquiring about the definition of a leader, one might find it a vast and evolving topic, as Anne aptly expressed:
“Leadership is not a one-size-fits-all concept but a dynamic and multifaceted practice that we continuously explore and refine. True leadership extends far beyond the confines of a job title or a position on an organizational chart.”
“The essence of leadership lies in the willingness of people to follow you, not because they have to, but because they want to. While hierarchical structures may dictate who holds authority, genuine leadership emerges when individuals are inspired and motivated by their leaders' qualities and actions. This inspiration is rooted in a set of characteristics that distinguish impactful leaders from mere titleholders.
The most powerful aspect of leadership is the ability to make others feel valued and cared for. This isn't about superficial gestures or platitudes; it's about creating a genuine sense of belonging and importance. When people feel truly cared for, they are more likely to go above and beyond, pushing boundaries and striving for excellence.
This sense of care is not a sign of weakness or sentimentality. Instead, it is a strategic and powerful tool that unlocks potential and drives performance. People who feel valued are more resilient, more innovative, and more committed to their work. They are willing to take risks and push themselves because they know they have the support and backing of their leaders.
Being in the presence of a good leader is invigorating. There is a self-renewing energy that comes from working with someone who makes you feel safe, valued, and stretched. Good leaders create an environment where growth is not just possible but inevitable. They provide a safety net that allows individuals to take risks and push their limits without fear of being abandoned or blamed.
This environment of trust and support is crucial for fostering innovation and resilience. People are more likely to embrace challenges and learn from failures when they know they won't be thrown under the bus for making mistakes. This leads to a culture of continuous improvement and sustained high performance.”
Furthermore, Anne highlighted that leadership is not confined to corporate executives but is present in various forms across all levels of society. She challenges the stereotype that leadership is synonymous with senior corporate roles and highlights that impactful leaders can emerge from any context, whether a community figure or a professional in a large organization.
The Power of Curiosity and Humility
Anne believes that the leaders who truly make a difference exhibit a profound curiosity and an unwavering desire to achieve excellence. They challenge their teams, pushing them towards greater heights, but they do so with a sense of humanity that fosters respect and admiration. These leaders are genuinely interested in understanding what drives their people, what they care about, and how they can support them.
This blend of high expectations and compassionate engagement creates an environment where individuals feel both challenged and supported. It's a delicate balance, but when achieved, it propels both personal and professional growth. Leaders who embody this approach treat others with the respect they themselves would like to receive, fostering an atmosphere of mutual trust and admiration.
In essence, true leadership is about inspiring and uplifting others. It's about creating an environment where people feel valued and supported and where they are encouraged to strive for excellence and grow. Great leaders care deeply, show respect, and cultivate curiosity. They make people feel safe and empowered, pushing them to achieve their best while standing by them through challenges. This kind of leadership is powerful, authentic, and transformative.
Anne also touched on the personal aspects of leadership, encouraging leaders to engage in introspection early in their careers. This self-awareness helps leaders align their roles with their values, preventing burnout and ensuring that their work remains fulfilling.
The Renewing Energy of Effective Leadership
Anne's messages in this Bitesized Expertise episode serves as a masterclass in leadership, advocating for a leadership style rooted in authenticity, continuous self-improvement, and a deep commitment to fostering a supportive and motivating environment. This holistic approach not only enhances individual and organizational performance but also contributes to a more compassionate and understanding corporate culture.
True leadership is about more than just authority or titles. It's about inspiring and motivating others through curiosity, humanity, and genuine care. By making people feel valued and supported, leaders can unlock tremendous potential and drive extraordinary achievements. This approach to leadership creates a self-renewing energy that fosters growth, resilience, and a sense of purpose.
In the end, the most remarkable leaders are those who bring out the best in their people, creating an environment where everyone feels safe to grow, innovate, and excel. This is the essence of leadership and purpose, and it is a path to true empowerment.
Here are some of the messages Anne shared about leadership and career purpose that resonated with us:
Understand Your Purpose: Reflecting on one's career often brings a wealth of insights, some of which we wish we had realized much earlier. A key lesson many seasoned professionals learn is the importance of understanding oneself—the kind of person they want to be and the values they hold dear. Engaging in this level of introspection early on can be transformative, yet it’s often delayed until mid-career, typically prompted by a significant life event or crisis.
Take the Journey Inwards: It’s common for individuals to embark on a journey of self-discovery later in their careers, often in their forties or fifties. This journey is frequently triggered by profound and uncomfortable experiences such as burnout, depression, or a personal crisis. These events compel us to seek answers to deep, existential questions about our purpose and values. However, waiting for a crisis to spur this introspection can be detrimental.
Perform Early Introspection for Sustainable Growth: I strongly encourage young professionals to begin this inward journey as early as possible. Understanding who you are, what drives you, and what you value can set a solid foundation for both personal and professional growth. Early introspection can help you navigate your career with greater clarity and purpose, avoiding the pitfalls of inherited ambitions or misplaced motivations.
Develop an Authentic Leadership Style: True leadership is rooted in authenticity. The best leaders are those who can express their truest selves, aligning their actions with their core values and beliefs. This authenticity resonates with others, fostering trust and loyalty. However, you cannot lead authentically unless you genuinely know yourself and what you stand for. This alignment is crucial for showing up as a genuine and effective leader.
Keep on Building and Nurturing Your Network: In addition to introspection, another critical aspect of effective leadership is building and nurturing a robust network. Expanding your network and getting to know a diverse range of people can open up new opportunities and perspectives. This not only enriches your personal growth but also enhances your ability to lead and inspire others.
Embarking on the journey of self-discovery early in the career can be a game-changer. By understanding yourself, aligning with your true values, and nurturing a broad network, you can develop into a leader who inspires and empowers others. Don’t wait for a crisis to prompt this introspection. Start today and lay the groundwork for a fulfilling and impactful career.
Leadership and purpose go hand in hand. By discovering your true self and living in alignment with your values, you can lead with authenticity and create a lasting, positive impact on those around you. This journey may be challenging, but it is immensely rewarding and empowering.
Reach out to Anne for speaking and collaboration opportunities via LinkedIn.
