Distinction is not merely organizational–it’s individual, as well!
Leaders must know how to set the pace, not only through their words, but also through their actions. They must make a difference, and they must be congruent. That is likely why individuals with the ability to distinguish themselves are so rare.
The distinction we all strive for is the ability to make a significant difference — and the best way to do this is through leadership. This is the type of leadership that starts with oneself.
Distinctive leadership can be summarized by the consistent application of these three primary principles:
- knowing what you stand for
- being committed to your purpose/ideals
- doing what you said you would do
An individual who can distinguish themselves can take their leadership skills and apply them in both a professional capacity as well as an everyday life. When leaders display these three qualities, distinction becomes not solely organizational distinction, but also personal distinction.
There must be congruency between how that person lives daily and what they do on the job. When someone observes this individual (or any member of her team), they’ll recognize the distinction in action!
In addition, to create distinction, leaders need to:
- have a clear vision for the future of your organization/team and how it will differentiate from other organizations;
- find an internal passion that is aligned with leadership skills and apply this in both professional and personal life situations;
- create congruency between these two areas so there’s no separation between private and public lives.
We recently witnessed the resignation of a globally recognized CEO – not related to his specific job performance, but due to drunken behavior at a party. Distinctive leaders understand that everything they do – personally and professionally – matters. Distinctive leaders ensure that what they do at work aligns with who they are as people. They live daily like their job depends on it…because sometimes it does!
Distinction needs to start within – not merely organizationally, but individually too! In other words, all distinction starts with YOU!
