There is an endless flow of content on the topic of leadership. You could literally spend the rest of your life studying leadership and still never be sure you were doing it right because a lot of people think that there is a right and therefore wrong way to do it.

Over the past few years, I’ve made a few observations that have helped me stop studying what leaders do or what they say and just start practicing instead. Practicing belonging.

Observation #1

Great leaders know they belong to something greater than themselves.

I believe this is the most pivotal issue in the life of any leader who wants to bend culture. Whether you are leading a fortune 500 company, a cottage business or your family, knowing this truth is one of the only things that will keep you safe from the lure of status and power.

Observation #2

Great leaders invite others to belong to that something.

When you find something great isn’t it only natural to want to share it with others? To invite others into the fold. This stays true as long as you yourself don’t become that “great something”.

If at any time you fail to people to something greater than you, you should expect people to stop giving their best.

Observation #3

Great leaders know how to take turns leading and following.

At first glance, this may come across as juvenile but it needs to be said. Knowing when to lead and when to follow is an art and art needs to be practiced in order to get good at it.

If you want to get good at drawing, you will have to practice by drawing a lot. And many of those will probably not be very good but sticking to the practice will help you get better.

The same is true of leadership. It requires lot’s of practice to become a good leader. It also implies that there will be some things you’re not very good at. That’s ok. Keep practicing. The only way to get good is to practice.