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Many years ago, while doing a research project for Graduate School, I spent some time researching the needs of leaders in a number of different countries. I traveled to England, Czech Republic, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Philippines, Ecuador, Cuba, Canada and the United States. In each country, I was able to talk with leaders and assess needs that were shared with leaders in other countries.
After some travel, some time checking my findings, and time putting together the project, I wrote a simple paper that served as my thesis, and it began me on a journey of trying to address these needs in the leaders I was privileged enough to get to work with.
The needs I identified years ago continue to be at the forefront of my mind and heart every time I connect with leaders.
Here's what I found:
#1) Leaders Need TRAINING
A good leader needs to be constantly growing and developing. This makes them a better leader. We need to provide quality, challenging and applicable training to leaders.
#2) Leaders Need RESOURCES
While this sometimes includes financial resources, the primary need was simply access to resources: tools, books, ideas, links, websites, data
There is so much information out there, sometimes it's just helping leaders find and apply what is best for them and their situation.
#3) Leaders Need COACHING
Coaching is simply an intentional conversation. Coaching is an ongoing conversation that involves learning, sharing experiences and application. Coaching is an ongoing relationship resulting in encouragement and support!
#4) Leaders Need COMMUNITY
Leadership is lonely. When you realize that others are going through what you're going through and you have the opportunity to talk about it, learn from each other, and build relationships with other leaders, we're better! We all need to belong to something bigger than just our thing.
There are many other needs, but these emerged as common among over 85% of the leaders I interviewed. I've spent the past 13 years building a global community of leaders through a movement called Leader Mundial. We address these 4 needs at leadership summits, gatherings and events held around the world. If you'd like more information, please write me HERE.
What about you? Do you have access to these things in your life?
If not, what can you do about it?
"You are not alone!" Russ
"Alone we can do so little. Together, we can do so much." Helen Keller
"Coaching is unlocking a person's potential to maximize their growth." John Whitmore
