What you might surprisingly re-learn in times of change.

Well...it’s been a couple of days since this chapter of my career (also known as the Caterpillar chapter) closed. These couple of days have been an eye-opening, lesson-learning and humbling period of time, despite its short length. Some of which I would like to share. Not because of me, but because of what I think it can teach any leader. What it has taught me, again, in the past two days. And definitely what has served as an instructive reminder as I look towards the next chapter.

First, no matter whether the career change was meticulously planned for months or came out of left field I believe you’re never fully prepared for everything such a change brings. I wasn’t.

It started with a flood of texts, emails, calls and instant messages, but one line stood out early. A leader who I respect immensely, and who I trust is ok with me sharing a line or two, sent me a long message that included this statement:  ‘your fingerprints are all over every significant marketing achievement we’ve had.’

I was proud and of course it made me feel good, despite the fact it was likely somewhat overstated. But as the two days progressed, messages took a different twist. They didn’t talk about the business results. They didn’t talk about achievements. No, the themes weren’t built around what the teams implemented, accomplished or delivered, despite the fact they had done outstanding things. No, the theme was around influence, impact and empowerment…of and on the individual. Much of which I wasn’t even aware was happening around me, let alone knowing I had a role in.

It was humbling and flattering, but what I took most from it was this…the word leader means something. There is only one thing a leader can lead, and that is people. A leader doesn’t lead technology, capabilities, sales, projects or anything other than people. The only way to deliver as a leader is to lead through people. Of course there are many ways to do that, but doing so through respect, integrity, compassion, empowerment and trust are what brings the best out of people, and that is leadership. It’s simple and obvious but it took the past two days to remind me.

Now don’t get me wrong. I don’t post this to claim success. I have so much more to learn on this journey. More to learn than I know today for sure. And I’m anxious, nervous and excited to see what those learnings will be. But as simple and obvious as it seems, leaders lead people. Nothing else. So this is why, as a result, people must come first. Always. At least if you want the results you desire. It’s the right way.

So, onward I go to learn from the next phase. I’ve taken so much more than I’ve given from those I’ve had the honor of working with and for…directly or indirectly. I’ll take much from being involved as an advocate for women in the workplace initiative, from the men as allies effort and the countless learning opportunities I’ve been given. But in the end I’ll take a piece of everyone who has reminded me yet again of the simple yet powerful fact that leading people is ultimately the only job of a leader.

Dave Lucas spent 20+ years in marketing at Caterpillar Inc., many as the Global Digital Marketing Manager, and 10+ years in leadership positions at various marketing agencies. He is now the owner of Lucas Partnering, which focuses on companies looking to leverage his experience to advance their marketing efforts to the next level. He can be reached at davidlucas@lucaspartnering.com.