Leadership and influence: the two things are inextricably linked. Leaders, by their very nature, must be influential. And the more influence a leader commands, the more likely it is that people will follow.
But for every celebrated leader with a household name there are countless others with similar potential who haven’t quite made it—program managers at nonprofits, for example, or aspiring social entrepreneurs. To help these emerging social purpose leaders on their changemaking journey, three leadership pros shared their experiences and offered advice in an #amexleads Twitter chat, hosted by Ashoka Changemakers:
- Julia Middleton, the CEO and founder of Common Purpose;
- Tray T.S. Deadwyler, the director of social innovation at Think for Good; and
- Tammy Tibbetts, the president and founder of the social enterprise She’s the First.
In case you missed the chat, this is what you need to know.
It’s not just about you. Leaders are defined by the way others see them.
The panel, and the crowd, seemed to agree that three qualities set apart the best leaders: authenticity, adaptability and the ability to take action.
Leadership is an action you take not a position you hold. Inspired by leaders at all levels #amexleads
— JW_ASULodestar (@jfw0911) April 21, 2016
A2 #AmexLeads: First, always know your audience. Second, just be *you*! Authenticity makes ALL the difference in #leadership.
— Tammy Tibbetts (@tammytibbetts) April 21, 2016
A2 Leaders need to be adaptable in every situation; style needs to be flexible, engaging. Being transparent helps. #amexleads @changemakers
— ASU Lodestar Center (@ASULodestar) April 21, 2016
Humility and empathy help leaders build trust with partners and employees.
Both characteristics enable leaders to “cross divides and thrive in multiple cultures,” according to Julia Middleton.
If you start to think you have all the answers, you will stop listening & you may miss the right answer. #amexleads https://t.co/LYMneiaVrV
— Julia Middleton (@JuliaMiddleton) April 21, 2016
A3 #AmexLeads: To lead people, you have to understand people & their POV. You never have all the answers. So ask more questions--and listen!
— Tammy Tibbetts (@tammytibbetts) April 21, 2016
A3. When you remove your ego, the result is a more cooperative process and with that comes innovation and a sense of ownership #amexleads
— stacyheatherheit (@stacyheather) April 21, 2016
Finally, don’t underestimate the power of the right network.
No matter how skilled you are as a fundraiser, or how visionary you are as a systems thinker, you can’t change the world alone. Make your network work for you.
A4. Don’t let societal barriers stop you/r work. It’s up to supporters, funders, leaders to build inclusive pipeline. #amexleads #socent
— Echoing Green (@echoinggreen) April 21, 2016
U need support networks & also turbulent networks with people who tell you what you don't want to hear. #amexleads https://t.co/qZYVCOY2su
— Julia Middleton (@JuliaMiddleton) April 21, 2016
A4 Don't think you can do it all on your own. Learn how to delegate and how to collaborate. #amexleads https://t.co/ynw7V1ZFfh
— Tania Ortiz (@Tania_O) April 21, 2016
The last word? Here’s our panel:
A4 #AmexLeads: Be agile but never compromise your core values.
(Thanks for the great chat today, @changemakers & @AmericanExpress!)
— Tammy Tibbetts (@tammytibbetts) April 21, 2016
make sure you actually do something, if it’s good keep going, if it’s not, apologise & do something else. #amexleads https://t.co/RvbJERud2s
— Julia Middleton (@JuliaMiddleton) April 21, 2016
@changemakers empathy allows for understanding. humility and vulnerability allows for connection. all 3 enable trust. #amexleads
— Tray T.S. Deadwyler (@tendajitoday) April 21, 2016
@changemakers and a level of trust is required for every relationship. Have anyone ever followed a leader without trust present? #amexleads
— Tray T.S. Deadwyler (@tendajitoday) April 21, 2016
Thanks to all who participated in this #amexleads Twitter chat. We want to continue to hear your voice! Help select themes for future chats here.
