L.E.A.D.ing with Intention is Leading to Make an Impact

Sometimes we choose positions of authority, and sometimes it is thrust upon us. Sometimes we are so good at what we do or circumstances are such that we are moved up into a supervisory role before we know how we got there.

Often when people find themselves in a position of leadership, it is because they have the technical expertise or a comprehensive understanding of what they do. They are leaders in their field... but they may not exactly know how to lead others.

If you were asked the question in a job interview, "What type of leader are you?" What would you say?

You might start with some adjectives like "fair" or "firm" or "decisive." While these adjectives might help showcase your personality or values, they don't show any indication that you have studied, let alone mastered what it means to be a supervisor, let alone a leader.

lead*er: (n)

1. the person who leads or commands a group, organization, or country.

   synonyms: guide, conductor

A leader is someone who is knowledgeable, decisive and can motivate others to push the boundaries or progress of an organization, regardless of title or rank. To be a good leader, no matter your position at your agency, you need to study different styles of leadership -- and to decide for yourself -- what style of leadership you want to embody. The style of leadership you choose is subject to your own personality, your career field and what will work for your organizational culture.

A supervisor is not always a leader

and

a leader is not always a supervisor

I had the privilege of participating in a LEAD with Impact Program at work. It is a three day program in which we discuss what makes good and bad leaders, what type of leadership styles exist and when you might use them. We discussed the challenges of leadership and ways to adapt and overcome those challenges.

5/1/2025 training with Robin L.6. LEAD Institute Requirement

I learned that effective leadership always begins with the choice or acceptance to lead. You have to identify yourself as a leader. Then you will be able to execute the company's vision and determine what it takes to influence your work culture so that others are able and willing to contribute their ideas and talent in a meaningful way.  

For more specifics about the different styles of leadership, you can find so much more online. Check out this article "Types of Leadership: The Diverse Approaches to Guiding Teams: by Adeline de Oliveira at: https://blog.proactioninternational.com/en/types-of-leadership-approaches-guiding-teams

Being the best leader with all the right characteristics, values and leadership style seems impossible when working with various personalities and other external challenges. And yet, you can be an effective while being an imperfect leader. By learning how to adapt your leadership style based on the needs of your organization, you find the combination for any situation.

Having been influenced by "Leaders Eat Last" by Simon Sinek and other virtual workshops/Ted Talks on Servant Leadership and Transformational leaderships, I tend to project these styles. I also lean into the Coaching and Charismatic styles depending on the situation. Situational Leadership is a flexible leadership approach where leaders adapt their style to suit the specific needs of their team or individuals, and the particular context of the situation. Rather than relying on a single, fixed style, situational leaders assess the situation and adjust their directives, support, and encouragement accordingly. This adaptive approach allows leaders to better motivate and empower their team members, leading to improved performance and engagement.  Applying Situational Leadership is a skill that effective leaders must have. What is most important for any leader, however, is simply leading with intention, with understanding themselves, and with understanding the ways their leadership styles and situation can improve the organization.