For everyone involved in the retail industry, we live and work in a business that transforms on a regular and consistent basis. The very nature of the business feeds on the demands of contemporary living, the challenges of an evolving community, the peaks and valleys of a global economy, and the needs and expectations of today’s customer base. It’s simply the nature of what we do.
With that in mind, what’s the key to staying relevant in a business dominated by change? What’s the winning formula for keeping pace, leading through the calm and the chaos that can happen each and every day? What gives a leader the fortitude to stand out and the resilience to drive forward?
Unfortunately, there are no golden tickets that hold all the answers or solve all our problems. Every path is different, driven by the unpredictability of circumstance and the unique perspectives of every individual. We can’t possibly expect blanket solutions to such complicated questions.
But leadership is more than a position, or even a behavior—it’s an attitude. It’s a dynamic process that’s constantly evolving; it’s not merely a special set of attributes limited to a few select individuals but rather a progressive set of skills that each of us can learn and develop within ourselves and those we serve. It demands both an internal commitment and a dedication to others, compelling an ongoing balance of confidence and humility. But it also requires a fervent understanding that our personal “tools of the trade” must continue to grow and develop as well.
Leading with Attitude
Looking at the traits considered common components of effective leadership, many carry with them the expectation of ongoing growth and development. Skills such as diplomacy and communication need to grow and develop as the business evolves and our roles change. Professional maturity provides the benefits of perspective and experience, but it should never supersede the value of originality, flexibility, and a creative approach to all that we do. Our capacity for learning and growing must be the driving force behind our leadership journey, whether we are new to leadership or a seasoned professional. It’s all about attitude and persistence:
- Understanding that leadership isn’t an entitlement or a rank—it’s a privilege and a responsibility
- Self-awareness, seeking out constructive ways to enhance our own performance
- A sense of purpose, demonstrating focus, commitment, initiative, and drive
- A willingness to challenge things in a positive and constructive manner
- Leading by example rather than positional power
- The willingness to take risks and learn from mistakes
- Recognizing our ability to make a difference
- A willingness to take advice and direction
- Inspiring others to come together in a common direction, sharing goals, forging cooperation, and building trust
- A willingness to make the tough decisions
- The ability to maintain perspective
- A vision for growth and change and the courage to get there
Seizing the Unexpected
LP is a profession dominated by those who have seized upon the unexpected. Very few of us, when we donned a cap and gown at our high school graduation, ever thought we would be where we are today. But for whatever reason, the tides of fate and the inevitability of change altered our path, leading us down a new and different road. Any number of factors may have influenced our decisions. But ultimately, we found our way and carved out a future that fits our skills and abilities. Those decisions were all about flexibility and adjusting to a new journey. It was all about attitude.
We reinforce our futures by broadening our opportunities, maximizing our potential through ongoing growth and development. But we can’t simply check the boxes and consider our professional report card to be complete. Our attitude and mindset must grow along with our opportunities.
Leadership is more than just pointing the way—it’s making a difference. To establish the parameters of professional potential, we don’t need to reinvent the wheel. Rather, we should always be on the lookout for ways to make the wheels fit our cart.