The Daily Choice: Are You Choosing Significance?

You decide if you're going to be significant or not. It's not a title bestowed upon you, nor is it a status you magically achieve. It's a commitment to a certain way of leading, a certain way of being.

But what does "being significant" truly mean?

Significance isn't about being perfect. Let's get that out of the way right now. The pressure to be flawless can paralyze even the most well-intentioned leaders. Significant leaders understand that growth, not perfection, is the goal. It's about showing up as your best self, even on challenging days, and consistently striving to bring out the best in others.

To be significant is to be a positive leadership influence. Think about the leaders who have left a lasting mark on you. They likely weren't the ones who micromanaged, criticized relentlessly, or operated from a place of fear. Instead, they were the ones who inspired, uplifted, and empowered. They created an environment where people felt valued, supported, and motivated to excel. This positive influence isn't just about being "nice"; it's about actively shaping the culture and trajectory of your team or organization for the better.

Being significant also means you are growing as a leader. Stagnation is the enemy of significance. Significant leaders are never content with the status quo. They are curious, humble, and always seeking new knowledge, perspectives, and skills. They see every challenge as an opportunity to learn and evolve, not just for themselves, but for those they lead.

So, how do you make the daily choice to be significant? Here are some tips:

• Practice Self-Awareness: Understand your strengths, weaknesses, and triggers. How do your actions and words impact others? The more you know yourself, the better equipped you are to lead intentionally.
• Prioritize People: Remember that leadership is fundamentally about people. Invest in building genuine relationships, listening actively, and understanding the needs and aspirations of your team members.
• Communicate with Clarity and Empathy: Be clear about expectations, provide constructive feedback, and always strive to understand the perspectives of others. Empathy builds trust and fosters a sense of psychological safety.
• Empower and Delegate: Significant leaders don't hoard power; they distribute it. Trust your team, give them autonomy, and provide opportunities for them to take ownership and grow.
• Lead by Example: Your actions speak louder than your words. Demonstrate the values you wish to see in others – integrity, resilience, collaboration, and a commitment to excellence.
• Embrace Continuous Learning: Read books, attend workshops, seek out mentors, and reflect on your experiences. Actively pursue opportunities to expand your knowledge and refine your leadership skills.
• Cultivate a Positive Mindset: Your attitude is contagious. A positive, optimistic outlook can inspire your team and help navigate challenges with greater resilience.
• Seek and Give Feedback: Be open to receiving feedback, even when it's difficult to hear. Equally important, provide regular, specific, and actionable feedback to your team to support their growth.
• Celebrate Successes (Big and Small): Acknowledge and appreciate the efforts and achievements of your team. Recognition fuels motivation and reinforces positive behaviors.

Ultimately, being a significant leader is a journey, not a destination. It's a daily commitment to growth, influence, and impact. It's about choosing to show up, fully and authentically, and to leave a positive mark on everyone you encounter. At LHLN, we believe this choice is the most powerful one you can make. What type of leader will you choose to be today?