Leadership is defined by many different people in many different ways. At IPI we believe it boils down to one word- 'influence'. If you are influential you are capable of having a following.

Personal leadership is choosing forward moving, positive behaviors that are aligned with the vision of the organization. Applying personal leadership behaviors in one's life influences others to move forward in a positive direction.

What this means is that every single person within the organization, regardless of title or role has an essential part in the success of the organization.

Personal leadership is also about taking personal accountability for one's actions. Doing what one says they are going to do and encourage others to be accountable to the commitments they make are leadership behaviors that set the example for others to do the same.

The Elements of the Personal Leadership Model

Trust is at the core of the Personal Leadership model. In any relationship, if trust is not at the core, the outer functions are limited and often non-existent. Organizations with a deep level of trust are well aligned and produce substantial, sustainable results.

Trust is not something you get, it is something you do; it is an action. It is not about saying, 'I trust you' or 'I don't trust you.' It is about choosing to trust. By choosing to trust, you create a culture of trustworthiness.

When there is a culture of trust, there is more effective communication because the risk of open, honest, direct communication is minimized. When people are openly communicating, brainstorming, and collaborating, the environment is one in which people can be themselves and contribute at a much greater level.

When there is more effective communication, people choose to hold themselves and others more accountable vs. blaming and judging others.

When there is enhanced accountability, people choose to empower themselves rather than wait to be empowered. Individuals have more buy-in when there is more to gain and realize how big the 'game' or the goal really is. The right people want to be a part of something great. When they see that they are, they take more focused action. People who apply personal leadership in their lives take intentional, proactive, consistent, focused actions.

When one realizes and buys into the overall Mission and objectives of the entire organization and takes personal ownership for their contribution to achieving the goal, they take more pride in what they do and take committed, focused action. They know what to do, how to do it, and most importantly, why to do it.

When all of these elements are in place; trust, communication, accountability, focused action, and empowerment, individuals become more courageous. They are more likely to step outside of their comfort zones. Stepping outside of comfort zones is where growth happens; internally and externally. When an organization is made up of individuals stepping outside of their comfort zone, greater teamwork begins to occur.

The elements of the Personal Leadership Model work collaboratively together to produce desired outcomes. Every organization wants results and the fact is that every organization gets results.

Are you getting the results you want?

The Personal Leadership Model focuses on the elements that will help you to determine what you truly desire to create within your organization. From there, the vision must be communicated clearly. Once every individual understands what the vision is, he/she has the opportunity to choose the behaviors that will benefit them and the organization, which in return begins to unleash the potential of both.

We all choose our behaviors. A true leader is one who is willing to do whatever it takes to constantly look for opportunities to identify and reach towards the next level.

'Our choices in life have a huge impact on the kind of education we get, the kinds of jobs we land, the relationships we develop and become involved in, and the quality of the lives we live. The desire to influence the world around us is what real leadership is all about.'

~ Mark Sanborn