‘Leadershipping’ is the Art of Leading with Confidence and Compassion
‘Leadershipping’ (yes, I know it isn’t a ‘proper’ word, but I’m using it just because I like it!) isn’t just about being in charge.
It’s about showing up with purpose, integrity, and a mindset that empowers both yourself and those around you.
Whether you’ve been in a leadership role for years or you’re just stepping into one, the journey of leadershipping is all about growth, learning, and evolving into the best version of yourself as a leader.
In today’s world, the idea of leadershipping is more important than ever.
We live in an age where authentic leadership is valued more than ever before.
We no longer value leaders who are authoritarian and controlling. Instead, today we value connection, trust, and leaders who inspire others to take ownership of their roles and contribute to a collective vision.
What Does Leadershipping Really Mean?
At its core, leadershipping is the act of leading with intention. It is not about the title or position – it is about your mindset and the way you influence those around you.
Leadershipping combines the strategic elements of leadership with the emotional intelligence necessary to build strong, authentic relationships.
To truly excel at leadershipping, you need to understand that your leadership style will evolve over time. There is no one-size-fits-all approach. It is about embracing your natural strengths, while being open to growth and new ideas. Effective leadershipping requires self-awareness, the ability to adapt, and a commitment to continual development.
Leadershipping Starts with You
Now lets face it, you cannot lead effectively if you are not clear on your values and vision.
The first step in leadershipping is understanding who you are and what you stand for. This means digging deep to uncover your non-negotiable values, your strengths, your motivations, and your passions. You might want to take a look at my self-led resource LeadHER Quest to help you explore what matters to you.
For example, when I first became a manager, I struggled with balancing authority with empathy. I was torn between being approachable and maintaining control. It was not until I embraced the idea that leadershipping requires a blend of compassion and clarity that I began to thrive in my role. I realised that leadership is not about being perfect – it is about being real and connecting with your team on a human level.
Why Leadershipping is Different from Traditional Leadership
What sets leadershipping apart from traditional leadership is the way it integrates personal development with professional growth.
Traditional leadership often focuses solely on outcomes, goals, and performance measures. Leadershipping, however, compliments traditional leadership methods by including:
the wellbeing of your team
the culture you foster, and
the long-term impact of your decisions.
As leaders, we need to recognise that our actions, words, and attitudes create ripples.
The environment we cultivate influences how our team performs, interacts, and grows.
Leadershipping is about recognising that leadership is a holistic experience. It is not just about leading your team to success – it is about helping them grow, guiding them through challenges, and celebrating wins together.
The Pillars of Leadershipping: Trust, Vision, and Empathy
To master leadershipping, there are three key pillars you must build your leadership on: trust, vision, and empathy.
1. Trust
Without trust, leadershipping falls apart. As a leader, you need to build trust with your team by being consistent, transparent, and dependable. This means following through on commitments, being open about your intentions, and being honest, even when it is difficult. Trust is the foundation on which everything else rests.
2. Vision
Leadershipping is not just about managing tasks; it is about creating a vision and inspiring others to work towards it. Your team will look to you for direction, and it is your job to paint a compelling picture of the future. Be clear about where you want to go, and ensure that everyone understands their role in making that vision a reality.
3. Empathy
Leadershipping requires emotional intelligence, which means understanding not only your own emotions but also the emotions of those you lead. When you show empathy, you create a safe space for people to express themselves, share their challenges, and collaborate effectively. Empathy also enables you to recognise when your team is struggling and offer the support they need to get back on track.
How Leadershipping Impacts Your Team’s Success
When you embrace leadershipping, your team will notice the difference.
You will become a more approachable, trustworthy, and visionary leader, and that will inspire your team to perform at their best. People are more likely to take ownership of their roles, contribute to team goals, and go above and beyond when they feel valued and supported by their leader - and any leader will tell you this is a win, win!
The ripple effect of leadershipping is undeniable. When you lead with purpose, your team is more likely to adopt a similar approach in their own work. This creates a culture of empowerment, trust, and collaboration that leads to greater success in both the short and long term.
How to Start Leadershipping Today
So, how can you begin leadershipping? Here are a few tips to get started:
1. Be Authentic
Authenticity is key in leadershipping. Do not try to be someone you are not. Embrace your unique leadership style, and lead with honesty and integrity. Your team will respect you more for being real than for trying to fit into a mould.
2. Lead by Example
If you want your team to take ownership, you need to show them how it is done. Demonstrate the values you expect from your team, whether it is punctuality, dedication, or respect. Your actions speak louder than words.
3. Invest in Personal Growth
Leadershipping requires continuous learning.
Attend leadership seminars, read books, and seek out mentors (I can help - book a free call with me to find out more) who can help you refine your skills.
4. Create a Safe Space for Open Communication
Encourage your team to speak up, share ideas, and voice concerns. A culture of open communication fosters trust and creativity, two key ingredients in effective leadershipping.
5. Celebrate Successes
Leadershipping is not just about guiding your team through challenges; it is also about celebrating their successes. Recognise milestones, big and small, and let your team know they are valued.
Conclusion: Embrace the Power of Leadershipping
Leadershipping is about more than just managing a team – it is about creating a culture where people feel empowered to contribute, grow, and thrive.
When you lead with purpose, empathy, and a clear vision, you create an environment that fosters collaboration, trust, and success.
So, if you are ready to make a real impact as a leader, start leadershipping today.
Embrace your unique leadership style.
Nurture your team’s growth.
Lead with intention.
