Leadership Principles: Guiding the Way to Success

4th July 2023

Prequal:

I've been searching for the right topic for my next blog post, which would offer relevance and valuable insights. As my role has evolved in recent months, I've gained a deeper understanding of leadership and what it truly means to be a leader. While I've held various leadership positions in the past, it's only now, with the opportunity to reflect, that I've crystallized my beliefs about what constitutes strong leadership traits. Working at GitHub has exposed me to exceptional technical and people leaders whose collaboration has helped shape my leadership principles. This blog post aims to share these principles and provide my perspective on their significance.

Before we begin, it's essential to acknowledge that leadership takes various forms, and the principles I present may not be universally applicable. My objective is not to impose my views on others but to share what leadership means.

Introduction:

Leadership goes beyond a mere title or position; it embodies a mindset and a set of principles that guide individuals to unlock their potential and that of others. Whether leading a small team or an entire organization, understanding and embodying practical leadership principles can make all the difference in achieving professional and personal success.

In this blog post, I will explore the six leadership principles I hold myself accountable for. My aim with these principles is to cultivate a positive and productive work environment that lays a solid foundation for driving teams towards shared goals.

Lead by Example:

As a leader, actions speak louder than words. Leading by example entails embodying the behaviours and values you expect from others. Whether demonstrating integrity, embracing a strong work ethic, or fostering a culture of continuous learning, your actions set the standard for others to follow.

Communicate Effectively:

Clear, open, and transparent communication forms the backbone of effective leadership. It involves listening, providing feedback, and ensuring everyone is aligned on goals and expectations. Effective communication builds trust, resolves conflicts, and strengthens collaboration within the team. Whether the message is positive or negative, clarity in communication fosters a shared understanding.

Empower and Delegate:

A remarkable leader recognizes the strengths and potential of their team members and empowers them to take ownership and make decisions. Delegating tasks and responsibilities lightens the load and allows your team to grow and develop their skills. Trusting your team and granting autonomy instil confidence and a sense of ownership.

Inspire and Motivate:

A leader manages tasks, but, more importantly, inspires and motivates their team members. Be a source of inspiration by setting a compelling vision, articulating goals, and sharing the bigger picture. Recognize and celebrate achievements, creating a positive and supportive atmosphere where individuals feel motivated to give their best.

Humans, not robots

A great leader acknowledges and appreciates each team member's unique qualities and needs. Treating people as individuals rather than mere cogs in a machine demonstrates empathy, fosters a positive work environment, and builds strong relationships.

Stay relatable

Staying relatable as a leader means remaining open to questions and maintaining credibility in your expertise. While it may not always be necessary, I have personally recognized and valued the importance of this approach, especially when working as an individual contributor within a team.

Conclusion:

I've learned that leadership is an ongoing journey that I have not mastered and may never (will likely never :) ) fully conquer. Each leader holds their own perspective on which behaviours are important to them. By sharing my leadership principles, I hope to spark insightful discussions and encourage fellow leaders to reflect on their guiding principles. Together, we can continue to grow and refine our leadership approaches, driving positive impact and empowering those around us.