I’ve been looking on professional networking sites at the profiles of many leaders, and have been more surprised by what they don’t share, than what they do.

Quite rightly, their stories tell of technical, operational, functional competence and skill-sets – the whats.

But so many fail to acknowledge a key element of their leadership success: their talent in being able to deal with people – the hows.

When I ask people, who are the great leaders in your organisation?, it’s not the whats that they mention.  It’s nearly always the hows.  They talk about leaders who:

• have time for me
• keep their door always open
• live and breathe fairness
• don’t hold grudges
• are loyal to me when the chips are down
• aren’t afraid to praise
• thank me for what I do

If someone asked who are you?, where would your focus be?

Check out your social media profile – it might be a good start.

And beyond that?  Perhaps some simple reflection on how your own whats and your hows might also benefit you, and those around you who look to you for leadership. 

The whats might have got you to where you are now, but it’s the hows that will keep you there and take you further.