Have you ever wondered what makes some leaders consistently successful at building high-performing, engaged teams? Over several decades of leadership experience, I’ve found success often comes down to a few fundamental principles. When applied thoughtfully, they can create magic in organizations. My career, my mentors, and my parenting journey led me to identify and develop a unique, SOLAAAR leadership framework.
The Birth of SOLAAAR
Developing these leadership tenets was a personal exercise in growth and transformation. SOLAAAR wasn’t born in a boardroom or crafted from management theory books. My leadership framework evolved from real-world experiences, successes, and yes, some memorable learning moments. SOLAAAR is a living framework which continues to evolve, much like the art of leadership itself. In building my T3 Life Coaching practice, I continue to evolve and align my leadership tenets to the T3 Coaching Philosophy.
Breaking Down SOLAAAR
Share Knowledge (S)
Think of knowledge sharing like planting a garden. Every seed of information you plant has the potential to grow into something amazing. Sharing knowledge is not just about sending emails or holding meetings; I believe in creating an environment where information flows naturally and learning is part of the daily rhythm. When leaders share knowledge, they’re really sharing power, trust, and opportunities for growth. Employees can be encouraged to share their knowledge as well, creating a powerful environment for growth and development across the board.
Open Communication (O)
You know that feeling when you walk into a room and immediately sense whether you are in a safe space where you can speak up? Open Communication is about creating safe spaces to allow everyone to be heard and listened to. By creating an atmosphere where ideas flow freely, questions are welcomed, and everyone feels they have a voice at the table. Most have witnessed the evolution from “the closed office door”, to the “open door policy”. Removing doors or obstacles for communication removes the need for employees to be courageous and speak up. Make communication an ongoing invitation.
Listen (L)
Here’s a truth I’ve learned: the most powerful thing a leader can do is often nothing more than truly listening. Not the kind of listening where you’re just thinking about what to say in response, while waiting for your turn to speak. Changing this behavior is crucial. Active Listening is a wonderful gift; an intent of attention, where you’re genuinely trying to listen to understand the perspective, the meaning and the purpose of the spoken word. It is amazing how many solutions emerge when people feel truly heard.
Allurement (A)
This is where it gets interesting. Let me share a story to really bring this principle to life. I once had an employee in a marketing content role who seemed capable, yet not quite lighting up about their work. Through conversations, filled with sharing knowledge, open communication and listening, I discovered their real passion was research. Instead of trying to force a square peg into a round hole, we created a new role focused on competitive research.
The result? Not only did they thrive, but we also filled their previous role with someone whose dream was to be a published writer. Two people, two roles, double the impact – all because we paid attention to what truly attracted and motivated each person. Allurement facilitates another one of my leadership strategies; Functional Focus. Making an effort to align your team to their passions; stand back and witness the magic. When employees have a passion for what they do in their functional role, and their contributions are aligned with the organization, many obstacles disappear.
Accountability (A)
When people are working in their zone of passion, accountability almost takes care of itself. Checking boxes or meeting deadlines is no longer a focus; accountability becomes about owning their impact and driving results because they genuinely care about the outcome.
Advocacy (A)
Leadership is not just about directing traffic; it’s about clearing the road for others to succeed. As leaders, we need to be champions for our people, but we also need to teach them to advocate for themselves and others. It’s about building a culture where everyone lifts everyone else up.
Results (R)
At the end of the day, leadership isn’t just about feeling good – it’s about achieving meaningful outcomes. But here’s the beautiful thing: when you get all the other pieces right, results tend to follow naturally. They become the product of engaged, empowered people working together toward shared goals.
Why It Matters
In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, we need more than just management techniques; we need leadership approaches that bring out the best in people while delivering tangible results. SOLAAAR isn’t just a framework; it’s a pathway to creating organizations where people want to work, grow, and succeed together.
Moving Forward
Leadership is a journey, not a destination. SOLAAAR continues to evolve as I learn from each interaction, each challenge, and each success.
Remember, great leadership isn’t about having all the answers – it’s about creating the conditions where people and organizations can reach their full potential.
Reflection Questions
Which aspect of SOLAAAR would create the most significant positive change in your current leadership context?
How might you adapt these principles to address your current leadership challenges?
What legacy do you want to create as a leader?