Leadership expert, executive coach, and bestselling author Dr. Sam Adeyemi is challenging conventional thinking about leadership with his Four "Nots" of Leadership, four principles that confront some of the most common assumptions about what it means to lead. Adeyemi, author of SHIFTS: 6 Steps to Transform Your Mindset and Elevate Your Leadership (Wiley), has a combined 3.8 million social media followers and argues that leadership is not about titles, followers, success as a destination, or self-focus.
First, Adeyemi challenges the idea that leadership is tied to a position or level of authority. "Leadership is not about occupying a position in the C-Suite, government, or some other high position in society," he says. "It is the ability to influence people to achieve a goal. All of us have some influence, and all of us can learn, develop, and strengthen our ability to influence others." This reframing matters because it democratizes leadership, suggesting that anyone can lead regardless of rank.
Second, Adeyemi says simply accumulating followers is not enough. "Raise leaders. Develop people. Create influence that extends far beyond your reach," he says. "If those who follow you and serve under you never grow, never lead, and never develop others, then leadership has stopped with you." The implication for organizations is that leadership development must focus on creating more leaders, not just managing followers.
Third, Adeyemi challenges the notion that success is the ultimate goal. "It's time to rethink your definition of success, not as a destination per se, but as a stepping stone for significance, which I define as making a meaningful impact on people and society," he says. "Because success matters, but people matter more." This shift in mindset can lead to more sustainable and fulfilling careers, as well as greater social impact.
Fourth, Adeyemi challenges the idea that leadership is primarily about the person in the role. "If you want to become a leader of true influence, stop making leadership about yourself and focus on the value you can provide to others," he says. "Keep your message simple, communicate it consistently, and remember that people will follow your words when your actions back them up and your message ultimately connects to their lives and aspirations." This principle underscores that effective leadership is service-oriented.
Adeyemi's insights come from decades of experience. He is CEO of Sam Adeyemi, GLC, Inc. and founder and executive director of Daystar Leadership Academy (DLA), which has graduated more than 52,000 alumni. He is also the author of Dear Leader: Your Flagship Guide to Successful Leadership. His new book, SHIFTS: 6 Steps to Transform Your Mindset and Elevate Your Leadership, is now available. He holds a Doctorate in Strategic Leadership from Regent University and is a member of the International Leadership Association. Learn more at SamAdeyemi.com.
For businesses and individuals, Adeyemi's Four "Nots" offer a roadmap to rethink leadership development. By focusing on influence, developing others, pursuing significance, and serving others, leaders can create lasting impact. In a world often obsessed with titles and metrics, this perspective may prove invaluable.
