This is embarrassing. I have been alive for quite awhile and experienced multiple Labor Day holidays, but never knew what it was about. So I did what any modern person would do . . . I Googled it.
In case you were wondering, here is a very simplified version of what I found. During the late 1800’s at the height of the Industrial Revolution the average American worker experienced twelve-hour days for seven days a week. Even children as young as five or six experienced these conditions including extremely poor working conditions.
Over time there came a tipping point as marches, riots, and strikes occurred throughout America. Tensions rose and Congress passed a law making Labor Day a legal holiday which President Grover Cleveland signed into law on June 28, 1894.*
This is where it originated from, but what does this have to do with leadership? As I was looking into this, I thought of the fact that more people do NOT have a leadership title than those who do. Let me suggest a few ways those who do the labor, whether a labor-related job or those who sell a product or service, lead.
Innovate
Imagine a manufacturing plant where everyone has a role they fulfill. The people on the line see a problem. They have two choices: ignore it because “that’s not my job” or solve it. When a person without a title sees a problem and provides a solution they are innovating.
I realize some leaders insist every idea come from them (that is a topic for another day), but “laborers” can lead from their position by creating solutions. Who is the person most aware of the problem on the assembly line or out in the field? The person daily doing the work. Step up, provide a solution that will make the work easier or more efficient for everyone and demonstrate your leadership.
Demonstrate
“The truth is that credibility is the foundation of leadership.”
James Kouzes and Barry Posner
If you have been following what I write or talk about for any amount of time you hopefully know I believe all of us are leaders because leadership is influence. A person who is a technician in their industry increases influence by how they demonstrate what they do.
Are you a salesperson who is a great closer or great at making new relationships? Are you a technical worker who is excellent at what you do? Are you consistent in who you are and what you do? All of these are ways to increase credibility. This credibility comes from the demonstration of excellence in what we do and consistency in who we are. Over time our example leads others to seek us out for advice and our influence increases.
Facilitate
Those without positional power must master the art of influence. Imagine trying to assemble a product and your peers are slowing you down. You can’t boss them around because you have no power. Maybe you’ve gained credibility with them through your relationship, results, or what you have brought to the team. Through this relationship you can facilitate conversations to help everyone produce at a higher level.
This higher production may keep the boss off your back. Maybe you create a game out of your work so all of you enjoy it. If you are in sales, maybe you facilitate a friendly competition with a co-worker that increases production. All these are ways people without positions can use their influence to lead.
You may or may not have a position of leadership. Hopefully this has helped you identify ways you can recognize those who do the work on your team. If you aren’t in a position of leadership now, I hope this helped you see how you can lead from where you are. Whether you have a position of leadership or not, thank you for how you serve and labor every day in whatever you do. Please, let me know any way I may be able to serve you or those you lead. Lead Well.
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* https://www.history.com/topics/holidays/labor-day-1
