Feature
Leadership: harnessing the power of authenticity
Richard McCann explains how finding his voice gave him the strength to inspire others to find theirs
knowing how to bring out the best in people. While I don’t have aspirations of world domination or even the desire to run the local cricket team, I do set out to help people find the fire within themselves so that they may shine at their brightest, just as I learnt, and am still learning, to shine at my brightest. The best leaders are able to lead by example. As a successful professional speaker who has delivered talks internationally, I am experienced enough to teach others how to speak well in public. But we can still lead by example even if we are on different paths. For example, if I ask you to step out of your comfort zone, then I should be prepared to step out of mine. Great leaders practise what they preach.
T
hese days I am best known as somebody who inspires others and helps them to find their voice just as I found mine. Some say that leadership is
Only when we can demonstrate that we are truly in charge of our own lives can we genuinely inspire others to take charge of theirs
Leadership involves a kind of honesty. We struggle, we persevere and we show that it
is okay to trip up sometimes on the march to greatness. We show that it is human not to be perfect. We show that we can still achieve great things despite our flaws. Most importantly, we show that we can love who we are no matter what happens to us or whatever mistakes we make. Anybody who has read either of my books, Just a Boy or The Boy Grows Up, will recognise that I have faced up to my own doubts and fears. In my talks and in my books I practise rigorous honesty. It is my openness and honesty that invites people to put their trust in me. That trust or that leap of faith is where the transformation happens. Once we recognise who we really are without shame or embarrassment that is when we can truly recognise our huge potential. I never became a public speaker. It was always there within me. My teachers had spotted that potential at a young age and I have recognised it in my own children. The difference between Richard McCann then and the Richard McCann now, is this: as a child growing up and as a young man I felt worthless, whereas I now accept myself for who I am, while doing the best I can to improve. Somebody who feels worthless can’t even take charge of themselves, let alone lead other people towards a brighter future.
Only when we can demonstrate that
we are truly in charge of our own lives can we genuinely inspire others to take charge of theirs. Leadership starts and ends with authenticity. We have to know who we are. Then we speak to people with conviction and we listen with empathy. A good leader will motivate many people to reach their potential. A great leader touches everyone they speak to. n
Author Richard McCann
Founder of iCan Academy
richardmccann.co.uk
Learning Magazine | 11
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