The Executive Edge
October 15, 2024
Let me share something I’ve discovered after decades in the trenches, both running companies and helping others run theirs: there’s no perfect leadership style. Just like fingerprints, every great leader has their own unique pattern.
I’ve watched visionaries paint beautiful pictures of the future that inspire entire organizations to dream bigger. I’ve seen strategic minds map out paths so clear that everyone knows exactly where they’re heading. There are the tough-love leaders who push their teams to excellence, and the lead-by-example folks who are first in, last out, making decisions with unwavering confidence.
But you know what really lights me up? When I discovered servant leadership, it felt like coming home. It’s not about being the boss with all the answers – it’s about being the person who helps others find their answers. Think of it like being a gardener instead of a general. You’re not ordering people around; you’re creating the conditions for them to grow and thrive.
I’ll never forget when one of my team members came to me years ago, struggling with a challenging project. Instead of telling her what to do, we worked together to clear the roadblocks in her way. Watching her confidence bloom as she solved the problem herself – that’s what servant leadership is all about.
Here’s what I’ve learned: when people know you genuinely care about their success, magic happens. Trust deepens. Loyalty grows. Innovation flows. Not because you demanded it, but because you created a space where it could naturally flourish.
For me, the most rewarding part isn’t hitting quarterly targets (though those matter). It’s seeing people become their best selves. That’s the real measure of leadership success.
What kind of leader are you? More importantly, what kind of leader do you want to be?
The Future Is Now
Jesus (Jes) Vargas is the Principal at DPMG Corp in Sacramento, CA. He and his team consult, coach, and mentor business leaders in strategic planning, leadership development, and project management.
They’re ready to help clients plan a new product or fine-tune an existing marketing strategy.
