Make Sure You’re Stepping Forward, Not On

Working with organizations you meet all kinds of people. There are those who step forward with genuine interest to help and learn—and then there are those whose idea of moving forward is to step over others.

You might not recognize these people at first, because they like to talk about being of service and make a show of being obliging. But their actual agenda has nothing to do with helping anyone but with covering up the limitations of their leadership.

Here are some signs of those who are busy stepping on while they move forward.

They align themselves with others because they feel alone. They like to think that if they align themselves with leaders, that makes them leaders too. But of course it doesn’t really work that way. A true leader has merits and an inner moral compass that is reflected in everything they do. True leadership is a direct reflection of character.

They take credit because they have not accomplished much on their own. We’ve all seen it happen—a team works with intelligence, imagination, and hard work, and the person at the top of the organization takes the credit. A true leader knows in their heart that anything worthwhile is done with others, and that success is shared.

They talk like leaders because they’re trying to fake it till they make it. They may be gifted writers or speakers—but when it comes to leadership in the trenches, they wouldn’t know the first thing to do. True leaders are created in the situations that are difficult—where challenges need solutions, where problems need vision—not with words.

They grab the limelight because their corner is always dark. There’s a need for attention and deferential behavior that’s grounded in a deep need to be noticed. True leaders have a light shine on them organically. They don’t chase the light or grab it—it comes to them naturally through their enthusiasm and spirit.

If your actions are about contribution to the well-being of those you come in contact with and you are a positive force, you’re a true leader.

But if your actions are only about your own personal security and benefit at the cost of others, you’re a leader who is stepping forward while stepping on people. While you may get what you want in the short run. In the long run, character and true leadership build an enduring legacy.

Lead From Within: True leaders do not focus on their own edification and glory but on helping others to succeed. They don’t need to compensate for their limitations but instead work to overcome them.

Lolly Daskal is the president and Founder of Lead From Within a consulting firm specializing in executive leadership coaching and customized leadership programs. Connect with Lolly Daskal

Additional Reading:

• At The Risk Of Being Changed


• The Power Of Parting: 7 Things You Need To Stop Doing 


• Lead From Where You Are And With All That You 


• The Wisdom Of Whole Hearted Leading

Photo Credit: Getty Images

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