I’ve been thinking about leadership a lot lately. Leadership doesn’t just apply to human beings; it also applies to brands. A brand can lead by example. A brand can lead in its industry or market niche by standing for a good cause, like TOMS for example. A brand can be a leader because it inspires others to do good or make a difference and question the status quo.
At Communications Rebel, I encourage business owners and organizations to use their true voice to initiate action for the betterment of the world around them. It takes a great leader to be able to stand for something, embrace originality and have the courage of your convictions.
Here are three leadership lessons to inspire your brand to greatness:
Care for people first and for numbers second
“And when a leader embraces their responsibility to care for people instead of caring for numbers, then people will follow, solve problems and see to it that that leader’s vision comes to life the right way, a stable way and not the expedient way.” ~Simon Sinek, Leaders Eat Last: Why Some Teams Pull Together and Others Don’t
Clearly, any business has to make money and wants to grow to make an even bigger impact. However, business leaders who’re focusing on numbers first and their people second will have a hard time creating a culture of greatness.
As Simon Sinek points out, by caring for your employees, the people that support your business, and your audience first, your brand will have the chance to bring its vision to life. People will feel and know that someone truly cares and go the extra mile for you – it’s pretty much like a ticket to greatness for everyone involved with your brand.
Those who lead inspire us
“If your actions create a legacy that inspires others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, then, you are an excellent leader.” ~Dolly Parton
There are leaders who hold a position of power or influence. Those that enjoy being at the top because they get a kick out of playing the boss and using their influence to make lonely decisions.
And there are leaders who lead. Regardless of their position, they lead by example. They lead by having someone’s back; they lead by listening to what others have to say. Leaders who lead consider all perspectives and are open to be convinced otherwise. They lead by empowering others to do something great and take action.
Leaders who lead are not in it for themselves; they’re in it because they care about the greater good and want a win for the team.
Sacrifice your own needs for the needs of your business and the people that are working with you, and you’ll see your brand flourish.
Be Courageous
“I cannot give you the formula for success, but I can give you the formula for failure, which is: Try to please everybody.” ~Herbert Swope
Here’s the truth. You can’t please everybody. So don’t even try it. A lot of businesses are still trying to be everything to everyone.
A brand that displays great leadership doesn’t try to please everyone. It’s very clear about what it stands for. Yes, it takes courage and boldness to take a stand, but it also promises great rewards: to be a brand that inspires (many, not all) people to take action, to become a loyal fan, to spread the word.
Not even Apple would be this great if they would try to please everyone with their products. In fact, they have a lot of critics and millions of people will never buy an Apple product. But those who do…are the most loyal fans and customers a brand can wish for.
So what’s your choice? Wanna be courageous or try to please everyone?
Rebel on –
Nina
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