We walked through the small village amazed at every turn. We explored the streets and alleys, taking the time to turn here, look there, stop and see something over there. Walking down a narrow set of stone steps, we turned to look, and there it was – the blue domed, white buildings of Santorini, Greece. It was as if we had stepped into a picture. It was almost spiritual. Rarely, do places resemble the vision in your mind, but Santorini not only resembled my mind picture, it was better.
Taking in Santorini was amazing – reality was so close to the pictures. The experience also made me think about the picture I portray to those who see me lead. Is my leadership like the picture in people’s minds? Beyond leadership authenticity, does my leadership walk match my leadership talk? As one who writes about leadership; there is an expectation that I live out my words. My words cannot be simply words, they must reflect my leadership actions. Santorini brought this concept to life.
Matching the leadership walk to the leadership talk is essential for every leader. Others need to be able to trust that your leadership is a real part of your being, and you believe it.
Authenticity is more than speaking, it is also about doing. Every decision we make says something about who we are.
Simon Sinek
Thinking about leadership as a picture of your character gives a whole new meaning to the term “leader.” We should challenge ourselves to allow our leadership to reflect our true selves. If you don’t mean it, don’t say it. If you can’t live it, don’t promise it.
Leadership looks different on each person. Be sure that your leadership actions clearly depict the leadership picture you have painted for others.