A Question That Defines Leadership
What is the first job of leadership? It’s a question I love to pose to executives during workshops, breakouts, and retreats. It sparks curiosity, reflection, and often, debate. But this isn’t just an icebreaker—it’s a tool for deep exploration into the mindset and priorities that define effective leadership.
How you answer this question shapes not only your leadership approach but also the growth potential of your organization.
The Problem: Lack of Clarity in Leadership Roles
Many leaders operate without a clear understanding of their most critical responsibility. They juggle competing priorities, put out fires, and make rapid decisions—often without a guiding framework.
Without defining their first job, leaders risk misalignment in their actions and leadership style. This lack of clarity doesn’t just affect them—it trickles down to their teams, creating confusion and reducing overall effectiveness.
The Solution: Define and Reflect on Your First Job
To address this, we guide executives through a reflective exercise. But if you're following along on your own, here’s a simple version you can try:
- Write It Down: At the top of a blank sheet of paper, jot down your answer to this question: What is the first job of leadership?
- Clarify Your Rationale: Now, dig deeper. Ask yourself:
- How does this “first job” benefit you as a leader?
- How does it impact your team?
- What influence does it have on key dynamics and outcomes in your organization?
- Broaden Your Perspective: Consider other possible answers to the question. Write them down and compare them to your initial choice.
- Do they align with or challenge your first answer?
- Could your direct reports apply your “first job” to their roles, or would one of the alternatives serve them better? Why or why not?
This reflection often uncovers valuable insights, helping you align your leadership priorities with how you lead day-to-day.
Why It Matters: The Ripple Effect of Leadership Mindsets
These exercises often lead to powerful “aha” moments. Leaders gain clarity about their role and mindset, setting a tone that influences their teams.
A leader’s mindset is contagious—how they view their responsibilities shapes how their teams approach challenges, opportunities, and growth. When leaders gain clarity on their priorities, they create a culture where both individuals and the organization can thrive.
So, What’s the Answer?
There may not be a single definitive response, but a powerful perspective has emerged from my work with executives:
The first job of leadership is the cultivation of mindsets—first their own, and then those of the people they lead.
Why mindsets? Because they determine how we see problems, identify opportunities, and prioritize actions. A leader’s mindset sets the foundation for decision-making and creates a ripple effect throughout the organization. It’s the lens through which strategies are crafted and executed, and it shapes the culture that drives results.
Written by: Steve Longan, Director of Coach Training Programs
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