Follow Intention Through Question

“Leadership is intentional influence.” – Michael McKinney

Why is intention important in our learning and leadership journeys? For us, we see it all the time within our L.E.A.D. with Courage™: Stage 3 Leaders Program. Each of us are so very human. Underneath all the vulnerability, noise, fear and challenge is a voice that can be sometimes hidden, whispering, speaking or screaming (any combination of these at different times or circumstances) to remind us that we want to make a difference. How we do this might seem, sound or look different but it is through leading (using our thoughts, words and actions to make a difference in our own and others lives) that we get a chance to embody what’s stirring within. But this deep sense of purpose can be drowned out within any moment or over a period of time. So how we practice tuning into this voice, listening and ultimately responding throughout our journeys impacts the influence we have on the individuals and groups who we share space, time and connection with.

“The wise man doesn’t give the right answers, he poses the right questions.” – Claude Levi-Strauss

How do we most effectively navigate complex interactions with self, others and the world around us, whilst staying as close as possible to our individual and/or shared intention? Intentionality breeds directionality. So if we agree that as leaders our intention is to make a difference, what types of thoughts, words and actions flow from this place? As humans, we can become fixated on needing all the ‘answers’ first, forgetting that pathways to change, growth, new ways of being and opportunities are often not available to us in moments of right/wrong ways of thinking. The title of this post, follow intention through question, offers us pivot points whenever we’re feeling disengaged, combative, closed minded, unsure, lost, reluctant or wavering.

“If I had an hour to solve a problem and my life depended on it, I would use the first 55 minutes determining the proper questions to ask.” – Albert Einstein

What do we celebrate most within our families, schools, workplaces and communities, questions or answers? Who’s able to make a difference within our families, schools, workplaces and communities? When and where do you find your ‘I can make a difference’ voice within is hidden, whispering, speaking or screaming in your journey of potential? What question could you ask yourself, others or the world around you next time you begin drifting away and want to get back to following intention?

“Great Leaders don’t set out to be a leader… they set out to make a difference. It’s never about the role, always about the goal.” – Lisa Haisha