Leadership is a topic that everyone seems to be talking about these days. But what does it really take to be an effective leader? While there are many theories and ideas, focusing on three key elements can make a big difference. These are the 3 P’s of Leadership: Passion, Purpose, and Protection. Let’s dive into each one to understand how they can help you become a better leader.
Key Takeaways
- Passion in leadership means truly caring about your work and your team, which inspires others to do the same.
- Having a clear purpose helps guide your team towards a common goal, making it easier to achieve success together.
- Protection involves creating a safe environment where team members feel valued and supported.
- Effective leaders communicate their vision clearly and provide the resources needed to achieve it.
- A leader who protects their team fosters trust and encourages open communication.
1. Passion
Early in my career, I realized that finding passion in a job that many see as thankless can be tough. Working in a support role doesn’t get the glitz and glamour of other fields. I was trained to handle tasks like updating performance reports and processing reassignment actions. These tasks seemed mundane, but I never let it bring me down. I was proud of my job and developed a passion for it because I knew it had a great impact on people’s careers.
Having passion is what motivates you, whether your motivations are spiritual, economic, social, or personal. For me, all of these apply. Passion gives you a unique lens on the world that shapes who you are and connects you to opportunities. As a squadron commander, I use this mindset of passion. I want to know what my team is passionate about. I want to know what motivates them to get out of bed each day and come to work. I believe it is their display of passion in taking care of each other and their families. I also believe it is up to me to show passion in our mission and vision so everyone can be passionate about supporting the greatest Air Force in the world.
Passion shapes your purpose in life and career, which is the second of my three “Ps.”
When you’re passionate, you care about the end result. You care about the business, the customers, and your team. When someone doesn’t care about their job, it’s painfully obvious. When someone cares, they act in a way that shows you how much they care. Their words and actions are in unison—the video matches the audio, so to speak. A caring leader does things with a certain flair about themselves.
Because, when you care about others, the focus is not on you as a leader—it’s on your team. Ask yourself, “Do I have passion? Does the passion show in my job?”
2. Purpose
Purpose is the driving force behind any successful leader. It’s what gives meaning to our actions and decisions. When we have a clear purpose, we can inspire others to join us on our journey. A compelling vision of a noble purpose can move people and create a sense of unity within a team.
One of the best examples of a leader with a strong sense of purpose is Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. His vision of a better America wasn’t just his own; it was shared by millions. This shared belief motivated people to work together towards a common goal.
As a leader, it’s my job to give my team a sense of purpose. When people understand why they are doing something, they are more likely to be engaged and committed. For instance, when a dining facility employee prepares a meal for an aircraft maintainer, that meal fuels the maintainer to do their job, which in turn helps the pilot complete their mission. Every role is connected to the larger mission.
It’s important to relate the mission to each team member, showing them where they fit into the overall success.
Purpose isn’t just about having a vision; it’s about communicating that vision effectively. When everyone understands the purpose, they can see how their work contributes to the bigger picture. This not only boosts morale but also enhances performance.
In summary, a clear and shared purpose is essential for any leader. It brings people together, motivates them, and helps them see the value in their work. Without purpose, it’s hard to achieve anything meaningful.
3. Protection
When you’re a leader, one of your main jobs is to make sure your team feels safe. This doesn’t just mean physical safety, but also emotional and psychological safety. Fear can cripple a team. If your team is always worried about what you might say or do, they won’t perform at their best.
Creating a Safe Environment
To help your team feel safe, you need to be approachable. Make it clear that they can talk to you about any issues. Encourage open communication and let them know that their opinions matter. This will help them feel more comfortable and confident in their roles.
Empowering Your Team
Empowerment is key to protection. When your team feels empowered, they are more likely to take initiative and be creative. Give them the tools and resources they need to succeed. Let them know that you trust them to do their jobs well.
Balancing Safety and Performance
It’s important to create an environment where your team feels safe but also knows that they are expected to perform. Set clear expectations and provide regular feedback. This way, your team knows what is expected of them and can work towards achieving their goals without fear.
When you make protection a priority, your team will feel more connected and work together to achieve clear, measurable results. This leads to a more engaged and high-performing workforce.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is leadership?
Leadership is guiding and inspiring a group of people to achieve a common goal.
Why is passion important in leadership?
Passion shows you care about your work and team, making others more likely to follow you.
How does having a purpose help a leader?
Having a purpose gives a leader direction and helps them set clear goals for the team.
What does it mean to protect your team?
Protecting your team means creating a safe environment where they feel valued and can perform their best.
Can anyone be a leader?
Yes, anyone can be a leader by developing skills like passion, purpose, and protection.
How can I show passion in my job?
You can show passion by being enthusiastic, caring about your work, and supporting your team.
What are the three P’s of leadership?
The three P’s of leadership are Passion, Purpose, and Protection.
How do I develop a sense of purpose?
You can develop a sense of purpose by identifying what matters most to you and aligning it with your goals.
