If you think leadership is about getting people to do what you want, you’ll develop a strategy to control and change them.
I haven’t found much success in trying to change people.
If you think leadership is about understanding people and bringing out and supporting them on motivations they already have, you’ll develop a strategy of meeting many people and attracting those with similar or complementary goals.
Instead of trying to control them, you’ll feel more like you unleash them. Instead of trying to change them, you’ll tend to coordinate with them. To improve as a leader, you’ll develop skills about understanding, empathizing, and showing compassion.
Where does the difference come from?
People create strategies based on their beliefs, in this case your model of leadership. If your strategy isn’t working, think about your model.