Ordinarily, I would not bother with researching about Leadership styles, and more specifically my leadership style. Quite simply, I am a follower not a leader. I work great in a team. I usually prefer to let others take the lead. What do I know what it is like to be a leader?
So, when I had to write this speech themed on – Understanding your leadership Style:
Write your speech. Include information about your preferred leadership style as well as styles you would like to cultivate and how. If you are uncomfortable discussing your leadership style, you may speak about styles in general.
So I wrote about styles in general. I shared my impression of leaders and their personalities – which is primarily autocratic, ‘my way or the highway’, impatient, ruthless, bullies. I cited Steve Jobs and Soichiro Honda. I had written a chapter on ‘Toxic Workplace’ in my book Reboot Reflect Revive – Self-esteem in a Selfie World. My research was to show how self-esteem is affected by bosses who treat their employees like robots rather than humans. It brought to light the difficulties and mental anxiety faced in the workplace. From there, I had this negative impression about leaders.
However, that impression has since changed.
In my speech, I shared about my change of impression to a more positive one. This happened after I worked on ghostwriting project for a CEO. I expected an arrogant, self-absorbed, type of personality. The individual turned out to have a more compassionate leadership style. The kind who was open to listening to employee’s ideas, creating a better work environment that was focused on creating high morale, and inspiring his staff.
I delivered the speech easily, and that’s when I realised that relating to personal experiences, is what made it easy. I was honest about what I felt and I explained why I felt that way. I shared a few examples, and a personal perspective. That’s all that was needed in a 5-7 minute-speech.
I ended with a quote, which went a bit flat, as I ran out of time. The quote didn’t get communicated effectively – ‘If you want to lead, you must first learn how to obey.’ I needed to bring it into context and to relate it back to my client. There wasn’t enough time. Note to self that I should share the quote earlier on, and repeat it towards the end.
I received positive feedback and I discovered some new facets that I hadn’t realised about my persona. It helps to know how I am perceived when I speak.
Overall mindset: relaxed, less stressed and less afraid to speak
Content: confident in how to write a speech with the audience in mind
Next speech will be on communication styles.
Shobha Nihalani: Meanderings 
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