It is not uncommon for the word “Leader” to be spoken on many occasions. Whether in a work setting or on the sports field, the word “Leader” is often used to capture an individual’s capabilities and contribution to a given set of circumstances. It is often used to distinguish or separate a given person to a status that sets them apart from others. In some cases, it is well deserved, and in other cases, using the word is simply a fill-in-the-blank description.
On the other hand, the word “Steward” is not typically used in our societal language. It tends to be reserved for a specialty kind of designation for those who lead and take care of some facet of our lives. In some instances, they don’t even take on the role of leader but own a cause to such a degree that they steward the best outcomes for that cause.
As business leaders, we need to strive to be not just leaders but also stewards of life, business, relationships, and resources. It is not just about being an owner, a president, an executive, a manager, etc. It is about authentic respect and caring for the people, places, and things we interact with in leadership positions.
To “Steward” is to take responsibility and accountability for the well-being of all aspects of running an organization, not just the bottom line. It’s about placing our relationships with our staff, our customers, our vendors, our communities, and all the associated extensions of our business at the core of applying proper respect for each of them while gathering them collectively for a contributional outcome.
The best leaders are those whom others want to follow, not those who drag their teams along for the ride. When a leader stewards each relationship with their team members, they take a vested interest in the mutual success of each transaction. They own the final bottom line results and the entire effort taken to achieve the desired outcome. Sometimes, it is highly physical; other times, it is highly emotional or mental, and everything in between. However, the key is to be the leader others aspire to be.
The key here is conscious ownership and accountability for the complete interaction, not just the final outcome. When leaders steward the relationships in their organization, they don’t have to chase or climb onto the leadership platform to stand upon. The people in the organization lift them up and place them there without even being asked to do so.
This week, as you look to work on your business rather than in it, Inventory your abilities as a stewardship leader. Are you stewarding the entire relationship with your team, Customers, Vendors, and Community? Do you take authentic accountability for your and your team’s actions even when a situation goes sideways?
Grow yourself to the next leadership level by embracing stewardship as the concrete method of building a team of future leaders. Did these insights cause you to ponder what you might do better to be a best-in-class leader? If so, reach out and give a JKL Associates Promise Guide a call – MI (313) 527-7945 or FL (407) 984-7246
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Celebrating 30 years of Delivering on “Promises”

