Everyone seems to want to reinvent the wheel about a practice that has been part of human nature for thousands of years: Leadership.
Understanding the principles of leadership is especially true in the ever-evolving landscape of the business world, where there’s a constant influx of new theories, models, and approaches to leadership.
Luis Scott Jr., CEO of 8 Figure Firm and America’s number one law firm consultant, has a different stance on leadership that points to the simple but very reliable basics. In his vast experience, one reality remains evident: the foundational principles of leadership are unchanging.
In a recent interview, Scott shared the timeless essence of leadership that lies at the heart of every successful business venture.
While the details of every leadership endeavor must be defined by those performing it, Scott highlights three tenets that no one can call themselves a leader without.
First and foremost, Scott cannot emphasize enough the importance of vision in business leadership. Every meaningful mission begins with a vision. Many people confuse vision with just a rhetorical ideal. Having a vision means seeing the desired goal and committing to it. Scott explains business visions as light torches that guide the path alongside every decision the group makes, and of course, it is the leader who is in charge of carrying that torch.
The vision, however, should always carry the weight of the strategy with it because a vision without a strategy is nothing but a dream. Thankfully, as Scott explains, strategizing, just like leadership, is not about reinventing the wheel but about applying proven methods with precision and adaptability.
The second irrefutable pillar that all leaders should possess is engagement. Scott stresses that the heart and soul of any organization are its people, and therefore, engaging, empowering, and elevating them is crucial. A leader who does not consider their peers equally as important as them tends to gravitate towards a dictatorial style of leadership, which only endures until the people around them get tired of putting up with it.
The third, yet equally important, tenant is self-leadership. Before leading others, Scott explains, one must lead oneself. The role of a leader is never to be the one served but to be the first one to serve. If you look closely into the leadership of any successful, multi-million dollar company, you will notice that the leaders are those who are willing to get their hands dirty with hard work all the time.
This third point is what gives a leader credibility. As Scott elaborates, how can your teammates be convinced of your vision or your engagement with them if you are not willing to work hard towards the goal? And the answer is they won’t.
While the tools, technologies, and tactics may evolve, as Scott illustrates, the timeless nature of these leadership dimensions is ultimately the cornerstone all entrepreneurs need to craft positive and effective leadership. They will serve as the constants in a world of variables as it is the business world.
As the world continues to evolve, leadership will remain an essential quality in the day-to-day life of society and the business world, with vision, engagement, and self-leadership remaining at its core.
By Andre Larrea
With Artistic Initiative Agency
