Five Faces of Leadership: A Journey of Insights and Growth

The majority of individuals have encountered various types of leaders in their professional journey, some leaving a lasting positive impression while others prompting a desire to distance oneself. Nevertheless, in each leadership scenario, valuable lessons can be gleaned. These lessons encompass acquiring presentation skills, appreciating the ability to maintain composure in high-pressure situations, and facilitating team progress. In essence, one looks upon such leaders with the aspiration to emulate their qualities. Conversely, one also discovers what attributes to avoid in leadership. In my personal experience, I have been fortunate to work with exceptional leaders, and even those I did not hold in high regard offered valuable insights.

The Bishop: He was the leader who afforded me my initial professional opportunity. His kindness was unparalleled, and he prioritized work-life balance while holding me accountable to it. At the start of my career, I was risk-averse, but he consistently encouraged me, asserting that "failure is not fatal," and urged me to embrace new challenges and learning experiences. He wholeheartedly supported any campaign or promotion I proposed, often without question. His commitment to fostering growth and education within the organization was evident, and he took the time to educate staff on financial matters. He actively sought opportunities for staff to network, advance in their careers, and receive recognition.

What I learned: The vital lesson from this leader was the importance of investing in people rather than focusing solely on their roles within the organization. He supported my personal and professional growth, even knowing that I planned to move on. To this day, we maintain a connection, and I pay forward the investment by supporting and providing recommendations for my staff to help them reach their full potential. I aspire to be remembered as a leader who made a lasting impact on both the professional and personal lives of those I have the privilege to lead, much like The Bishop.

The Trailblazer: She embodied a blend of fierceness and serenity in her actions. Her graceful defiance of norms and futuristic outlook on the ever-changing landscape of technology in business was remarkable. She welcomed change with open arms, even when it presented discomfort. Her thought process outpaced most, yet she graciously slowed down to allow others to catch up. She was a pioneer, continually introducing innovative concepts to the organization. Working alongside her was an honor, and supporting her initiatives came naturally. She believed in me, and I reciprocated that belief wholeheartedly.

What I learned: Reflecting on this leader, I realized that power is often misunderstood. True power, I learned, lies in the ability to exert the right influence to drive progress. She may not have been the most dominant figure in the room, but she commanded immense respect and influence among her colleagues and subordinates, enabling her to overcome challenges that stymied others before her.

The Politician: Initially, I admired his ability to achieve organizational goals. However, as time passed, I began to discern that the initiatives he championed and the manner in which he presented them as beneficial for the organization were often self-serving. Despite his intelligence, he leveraged his role for personal gain and positioned himself as a resource to those with more power. He spoke of the importance of diversity and strong leadership, yet insisted on unwavering conformity to his direction. He ruled with authority, instilling fear in many within the organization, though few dared to confront him. Those who aligned with him were rewarded, while dissenters often faced termination.

What I learned: Working under him was undoubtedly challenging, but I am grateful for the self-discovery it facilitated. For the first time, I realized that I didn't need external affirmation from my leader to recognize my value. This experience allowed me to develop self-confidence in my abilities and explore better opportunities.

The Illusionist: This leader served as an absolute source of inspiration. His interaction within the organization, engaging with every employee as if they held the utmost significance, was remarkable. His humility, continuous inquiry, and willingness to receive feedback were exemplary. His unyielding passion to effect positive change in underserved communities was at the core of every decision he made. He fearlessly confronted systemic issues without hesitation. When he articulated his convictions, people listened with rapt attention, captivated by his unwavering dedication. It was a sight to behold—a genuine, authentic, and beautiful display.

What I learned: I took away from this leader the significance of complete engagement when interacting with others. My aspiration became to foster an environment where everyone experiences the same sense of presence that I felt in his company. Moreover, I came to understand the importance of actively soliciting feedback from a variety of sources within the organization. My time under his guidance highlighted how unyielding passion can sometimes have adverse effects when not balanced with the overall needs of the organization.

The Straight-Shooter: Despite her petite stature, she possessed a colossal heart. She had a penchant for expressing unpopular opinions that mirrored the thoughts of the rest of us. She lacked a filter when it came to her opinions, even commenting on my choice of footwear. However, her compliments on my work were genuine and held great significance. She was the person I turned to for unvarnished advice, knowing that she would provide it, even if it wasn't the answer I hoped for. On significant decisions, she always encouraged me to seek guidance through prayer, as she was a devout believer in its power to provide clarity in times of uncertainty.

What I learned: I miss this leader, but I am grateful for the valuable lesson she imparted on being candid and not overly gentle in providing feedback. I embraced the concept of "Tough Love" through her mentorship. Our conversations were not always comfortable, but they contributed significantly to my growth. I apply this approach in my leadership role today, although I doubt I will ever match her boisterousness.

On the voyage of leadership, our routes are illuminated by individuals who inspire, challenge and steer us toward personal growth. As I contemplate the insights gleaned from these five leaders – from The Bishop's focus on nurturing individuals to The Straight-Shooter's unwavering candor – I am reminded that leadership is a dynamic and continually evolving pursuit.