As leaders, it’s easy to get bogged down in day-to-day operations and pressures. The naysayers tell you to step aside, let someone else take over. But if you let go now, who will step in and take over the business? You see, leadership is harder than it looks. Because without great leaders at the helm, no one succeeds. And when leadership isn’t a top priority for most people (because really…who has the time?), then good luck finding someone who stepped up and took on that role. So what does this have to do with pacesetting leadership? Everything! Pacesetting leadership is about getting everyone moving forward together as a team. It requires leaders to be forceful, but not forceful enough that they alienate others or hurt their teams’ feelings. Pacesetters must also know when to back off so others can take over and succeed.
What is Pacesetting Leadership?
Pacesetting leadership is the art and science of leading others so that the team can succeed. This is done by being forceful at certain times, but gentle and diplomatic in others. A leader must be certain, confident, and strong at times, but also gracious and kind when necessary. The goal of pacesetting leadership is to set a pace that allows others to succeed. This doesn’t mean you don’t push people to be the best they can be. Rather, it means that you push people to be the best they can be while also allowing them to succeed and be who they are.
Why is Pacesetting Leadership Important?
Success is defined by what we achieve, not by how long it takes. If a team is not moving forward and achieving their goals, then they aren’t successful. In fact, they might not even know what the goals are. Without a clear idea of the desired outcome, it’s easy to let busy schedules and daily pressures get in the way of setting long-term, attainable goals. If you lead or participate on a team, you know just how important it is to have leaders who can set a clear path forward. No matter how busy or pressured things get, if the goal is clear, everyone can find the time to focus their attention on moving the team toward it.
How do you become a Pacesetter?
As with any skill, there are certain prerequisites that must be met in order for one to become a pacesetter. First, one must know the difference between leading and pacesetting. A leader is the one who sets the path forward and pulls people along with her. A pacesetter is the one who allows others to lead and pull themselves along. They are not in charge, but are still needed to guide and set a pace that allows others to succeed and remain self-sufficient. Once they understand the difference, each pacesetter must leverage the three keys to pacesetting leadership: strong interpersonal skills, strong communication skills, and a strong sense of self. These three keys are the foundation needed to become successful as a pacesetter.
Why are some Leaders unable to be Pacesetters?
First, one must understand what it takes to be a leader. A leader must have an elevated sense of self that allows them to lead while also accepting that they don’t have all the answers and must rely on others to succeed. They must have strong interpersonal and communication skills to lead effectively. They must also understand that their role is dependent on their teams’ success and feel a sense of ownership for that success. Once you understand what it takes to lead and pacesetting comes into play, it’s easy to see why some leaders are unable to paceset. Leaders are either too controlling or don’t push their teams hard enough. If you need someone to push hard and hard is not the answer, how can you expect to find someone who will?
The Importance of Strong, Stable Teams
As teams become more complex, people become more hesitant to step up and lead. This is especially true if they aren’t given a lot of autonomy and decision-making authority. When people feel that they can’t succeed without others’ help, they tend to get lost in the system and lose their identity. In order to have strong, stable teams, everyone needs to have ownership of the success of the team. All team members should feel a sense of ownership as they are responsible for leading and pulling others along. If someone feels like they are just along for the ride, then they will be hesitant to take the lead or push others to succeed. Without ownership, teams will wither and die.
Conclusion
Throughout history, it’s been common for leaders to rise through the ranks, experience a few bumps along the way, and then step aside and allow someone else to take over. But if this isn’t a priority for the leaders of today, who will step up and lead? Leadership is harder than it looks and without strong pacesetters at the helm, no one succeeds. We need leaders who can set a clear path forward, guide others to succeed, and remain self-sufficient while doing so. Pacesetters know when to push and when to back off so others can lead and succeed.
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