Leadership DNA

I was listening to a presentation recently by a colleague, Dr. Jeff Sprout, who was discussing the concept of Leadership DNA. I had never thought about Leadership DNA, at least not in this context, and found the idea compelling. In today’s post I would like to describe the concept and how it can confirm our purpose, shape our actions, and guide our leadership legacy.

In Dr. Sprout’s presentation he spoke of the fact that through his administrative career he has learned something from every leader who supervised him. In other words, every leader, whether they think about it or not, is passing on their leadership DNA to others. The impact we have as leaders, just like being a teacher, can be more important than we know. Although we understand the major leadership actions we take get noticed, how often do we focus on our daily activities and interactions?

I always focus on achieving the goals I have before me and what it will take to move the organization to the next level. I rarely stop to consider the impact or purposeful design of my Leadership DNA. It is important to do so and to consider, with intention, what we hope to pass on to others. As leaders we will pass on something, whether we like it or not, the question is have we thought this through?

Here are three things to consider as you reflect upon your Leadership DNA and what you are passing on to others (of course there are many others you may consider too).

Nothing goes unnoticed:

We need to remember that those we supervise (and others too) are always watching our actions, interactions, decisions and thought processes. If this is true, what are we passing on? How will people describe our purpose, our character, our approach to solving problems?

If the Leadership DNA we pass on is important to us we need to remember that everything we do, every interaction we have, and every decision we make is a potential lesson for others.

It is rarely the what, but the how:

How you treat others is important, will be remembered, and emulated. Do those you supervise see you taking the same time and engaging with a similar level of interest both the influential community member and the school custodian?

Equally important is how you deliver messages. As stated above, it is not the “what,” but how your thoughts are communicated. Anyone can deliver a tough message, but how it is communicated is the lesson you want to pass on; the Leadership DNA you want to impart to others.

Results matter, but methods matter more:

It is important to get results and move the system forward, but those you supervise are watching the methods you use. What Leadership DNA do you want to pass on in this area? Hopefully, you are conveying that results are the product of thoughtful planning, collaboration, and challenging work.

We must remember when it comes to Leadership DNA you are passing on not only your methods and technical processes, but also your character and integrity. Again, going back to what was mentioned earlier, nothing goes unnoticed…

In conclusion it is important to remember that you are passing on Leadership DNA whether you planned to or not. Your daily actions, purposes, activities, and decisions will be consumed by others and will leave a legacy. If we desire to pass on certain Leadership DNA, we must be purposeful and intentional. It is up to you as a leader and what you will pass on to others.

As always if you have thoughts or ideas, please place them in the comments section below. Please remember that we all learn when we share wisdom and engage with each other.