Help others to work well together, showing the way and encouraging.

Leadership – Hautūtanga

“A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, shows the way.” Leadership researcher John C. Maxwell

Showing and having leadership amongst your peers, can be one of the most difficult tasks to undertake. If you can be successful in rallying your peers, you are capable of steering any group.

Here are 7 tips on how the best leaders get the most from their peers:

1. Engage regularly: Try and interact with your peers on a regular basis and in a range of settings, like in school, out of school etc. As your peers become comfortable with you they will trust the authenticity of your intentions when the time comes to follow your lead.
2. Pick your spots: Reserve your leadership for opportunities that are strategic. Also, don't confuse leadership and ownership. Share as much accountability, visibility, and credit with your peers as possible. Make sure to show that you trust them.
3. Do the dirty work: When leading a group of peers do the unpopular tasks that enable the team to do their best work. Consider volunteering and modelling rather than delegating and assigning. Anything you ask, you should do even more frequently.
4. Make them an offer they can’t refuse: Peers should appreciate the value of partnering with you, and each of your peers is likely to have differing needs. Try and find out what makes them tick and offer them this if possible.
5. Keep your word: Peers will not follow you if they question your integrity – there's simply too much at stake. Among all your colleagues, peers often have the lowest tolerance level for lapses and gaffes. Worse, if you're perceived as dishonest, all of your mana will be lost. You should make sure to follow through on your commitments, big and small, to maintain their trust.
6. Pursue a higher calling: You should demonstrate that you understand and empathise with the challenges your peers face. You can see the bigger picture, and show this to them.
7. Be vulnerable: Leading peers requires courage, but while confidence is critical, you should be open about your vulnerabilities, too. Peers don't need to be convinced that you have it all figured out – in fact, that may push them away. You should regularly ask for their advice and input, and allow them to lead you when the opportunity arises.

Adapted from an article posted by Aaron Weiss from Leadership Solutions

“The most powerful leadership tool you have is your own personal example.”

(Legendary Basketball Coach John Wooden)