As trainers, we have an opportunity that many of our colleagues do not. We have the responsibility of ensuring that our entire department or agency receives the training they need to accomplish the mission. That means that we affect each member, from the lowliest newbie, to the most senior manager. Not many others can experience that kind of potential for influencing an entire group of people.
That said, we need to be "on our game" 100% of the time. When we conduct training, we are leading people in a process meant to achieve an end. During this process, we exhibit certain traits inherent in leadership. Some of those traits found in leaders can described as:
- One who unites people to achieve a common objective
- One who creates strength in people by creating unity
- One who empowers, motivates, and organizes people to achieve a common goal and provide moral guidance.
Once we understand what leadership is, we can then see what leadership is not:
- Not a position
- Not a personality
- Not being indispensable
- Not about blaming others
Society today is more comfortable with lowering standards rather than raising them. Heaven forbid we should ever make someone uncomfortable. I sense there is an attitude of inclusion that states that everyone should succeed, so let's lower the bar. The emphasis is placed on making people feel good, rather than meeting standards.
Inasmuch as we are always in front of people that look to us to show the way, we know that we lead best by example, and by being a role model. Compare and contrast two trainers. The first is overweight, sloppily dressed, and poorly groomed. The second trainer is fit and confident; his clothes are tailored, and he is well groomed. Both know the material equally well. Which one would you tend to follow and have more confidence in?
So what does a leader look like? His appearance commands respect. He has a proven record of accomplishment. His enthusiasm is contagious, which draws others to him. He is self-disciplined and highly motivated. He gives praise and encouragement. A leader doesn't hold a rank or a position. A leader causes others to follow his example, and people want what he has.
One other key component of leadership is character. Character is determined by one person - you. Others determine your reputation, which is what you fall for, but character is what you stand for. As trainers, we should always do the right thing, never taking advantage of people or situations. We have opportunities to certainly "teach someone a lesson", or "set someone up for failure". Nevertheless, if we want to be the type of trainer that is well respected and admired, we will act morally. Morals and ethics form the foundation for leadership. What then is the litmus test for doing the "right thing"? Ask the question: "Would my family and friends agree with my actions?" This is the simplest moral compass to follow.
So how does this whole fitness element fit into the leadership equation? Well, the bottom line is that fit leaders are more effective. Those of us that cannot only "talk the talk", but also "walk the walk", are the people that become leaders. As far as the old axiom is concerned - leaders are born, not made, I submit that needs revision. I believe that we can build leaders. How, you ask? Those of us that are fit trainers, connect much easier and quicker with the people we train. By being highly motivated, enthusiastic, and involving ourselves in the training, rather than watching, we engender respect and a desire in our students to achieve.
When we see the results we get, it causes us to require even more of ourselves. Success is infectious; it causes our body to release endorphins that make us to want to achieve more. We get a natural high from successful training. Can you remember how you felt at the conclusion of a particularly successful training session? One in which you were "hitting on every cylinder", and your students were doing everything right. Can you recall how quickly the time flew by, and how sad you were when the class ended? Remember the students that came up to you afterward and congratulated you on the class? That is leadership - that is causing people to want to achieve and succeed. When they succeed, everyone shares in the victory. Those trainers that are not fit can't maintain the high level of enthusiasm and activity that fit trainers posses.
We see the advantages of being fit, and how fit trainers can become leaders. Therefore, it now becomes your personal mission to either get fit, or maintain your existing fitness. I won't define what fitness is in this article, since fitness is as unique to individuals as finger prints. My level of fitness may or may not meet your standard, but suffice it to say, you will know it when you see it. Conversely, you will recognize when a person is not fit.
I like to say there are three things in life that are certain - birth, death, and change. If you change the way that you look at things, the things that you look at will change. If you change the way that you look at your approach as a trainer, your approach will probably change. Good leaders know change happens and that it can be beneficial. You have a tremendous opportunity to become a leader by virtue of your ability to train all types of people. Your potential to influence people is huge. By being a fit trainer, you increase that potential, and you discover a leader with the ability to impact huge numbers of people. That's how fitness can build leaders.
Stay safe brothers and sisters.
