Leadership principle: Lead by lifting others up

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Can you think of a time when you made it through something hard because of someone’s support?

It could have been a physical task – maybe you had a big garden job and a friend or family member came over to help. Or maybe you were having a hard time emotionally and someone offered their support with kind words and a listening ear. These are great examples of people in your life who are (perhaps unknowingly) leading by lifting others up.

You might think, “aren’t they just ordinary things to do for someone you care about?” Of course. Helping someone we care about is often something we do without thinking. But think about how much an hour or a day of someone’s time can mean to you. It really helps to appreciate how important those actions are, big and small!

There are many ways in our everyday lives that we are supported by the people around us. They often help us achieve our goals and overcome hard times. 

To ‘lead by lifting others up’ means supporting, encouraging, and valuing someone. It means helping them to grow into an even more amazing version of themselves. 

More than any of the principles we’ve explored so far, ‘lead by lifting others up’ shows how often we encounter everyday leadership; the type that you find within your community, within your family, within your friends, and within yourself.

Can you think of a time when you were the one leading by lifting others up? 

There are so many big and small ways that we display and experience leading by lifting others up. Mentoring is a great example of this, and you can read more about this in the mentoring section of the toolkit.

Let’s explore a few more examples!

Having someone who consistently lifts you up can make you feel unstoppable! Their support can help you tackle challenges, take risks and grow comfortable with being confident about yourself. 

Beyond that, it creates a sense of belonging, community, and mutual support, leading to greater productivity and success. Don’t we all feel more capable when someone is willing to help us when we are feeling low? It helps us be a little less self-conscious about needing help, and more motivated, because we know that there’s someone supporting us.

Balance your energy

Now, it’s also important to keep in mind that as amazing as it is to support others, it can also be very tiring. Burnout is a real risk for those who spend a lot of time providing support. It could be that the support isn’t reciprocated, or that you’re trying to support too many people. Your own life may be complex, and you may not have the energy to help others.

If you are in an unequal relationship (you’re the only one giving) or healthy boundaries are not clear (your energy is not endless!), you’ll eventually reach a point where both your mind and body will force you to take a break. It’s important to make sure you set boundaries and know when to look after yourself.

Leading through lifting

Lifting others up is integral to leading, especially when using strength-based leadership. After all, strength-based leadership is all about focusing on a person’s strengths and helping them grow. It’s a powerful way of engaging with others and can create huge change for individuals and communities alike.

When we embrace and practice understanding, communication, integrity and empowerment, we create a supportive environment in which everyone can thrive. We create a culture that appreciates the importance of lifting others up, and a world that celebrates it.