Authentic Leadership: Keys to Building Legendary Teams According to Jorge Rosas

During a recent webinar organized by Open English, Jorge Rosas, CEO of WeWow and human resources expert, offered a unique perspective on leadership and the formation of legendary teams. In his presentation, Rosas emphasized that true leadership is based more on actions than on words, a principle that many companies seem to ignore in their quest to develop effective leaders. According to Rosas, exemplary leadership is the exception rather than the rule, and its scarcity in organizations is a cause for concern. Rosas highlighted the importance of consistency between what a leader says and what they do. "In five seconds, people do what they see their leader doing, not what they say," he noted, emphasizing that being a leader is not just a title, but a responsibility that involves setting aside the ego. The ability to inspire and guide a team comes from being a role model, especially during difficult decision-making moments. However, the reality is that there are few leaders willing to bear the weight of that responsibility. The CEO of WeWow posed a reflection to the attendees: is it more costly to train leaders who eventually leave, or not to train them and end up with individuals lacking the necessary skills? The idea is that the true cost for an organization lies in losing those who could become its "warriors" if they do not receive the proper training. For Rosas, relinquishing the spotlight is essential; a good leader must stop being the best member of the team and become the best member for the team. Jorge Rosas introduced what he calls the five "R" approach, pillars that underpin legendary leadership. The first is the ability to attract and retain "Rockstars." According to Rosas, a leader should not monopolize all achievements but should seek to develop other leaders within the team. This ability is essential for creating an environment where talents can flourish. To illustrate his point, he cited the example of Lionel Messi, who, rather than acting as the team's soloist, has become a facilitator of collective success. The second pillar is "Challenge," which involves knowing how to challenge team members to foster their growth. Rosas emphasized that a good leader must find the balance between challenging and supporting their team, allowing each member to reach their maximum potential without falling into burnout. A paradigmatic example of this type of leadership is the South African rugby team, the Springboks, which, under the guidance of Nelson Mandela, overcame nearly insurmountable obstacles, uniting the nation and winning a championship. "Path" is the third pillar and refers to the leader's responsibility to guide their team in developing a clear path toward their professional goals. Rosas stated that it is crucial for this path to align with individual capabilities and aspirations. The case of Tom Brady, who surpassed himself despite being selected in a low position in the NFL draft, exemplifies how effective leadership can transform potential into tangible success. The fourth component, "Feedback," is vital for maintaining a cycle of continuous improvement within the team. Rosas highlighted that the most effective feedback is that which transforms beliefs rather than merely behaviors. Citing his experience at Disney, he emphasized the importance of providing sincere and constructive feedback, reminding that it should be delivered "without anesthesia, but always with care." This practice can be fundamental for the personal and professional growth of each team member. Finally, the last pillar is "Reinforcement." According to Rosas, a team's strength lies not only in individual talents but in the connections established among its members. Friendship and trust are essential for keeping people united, especially in difficult times. Rosas encouraged leaders to invest time in building strong relationships and fostering an environment where camaraderie is a priority. In conclusion, Jorge Rosas emphasized that authentic and effective leadership is based on consistency, continuous development, and the strength of the bonds among team members. These elements are essential not only for the success of a group but also for any organization aspiring to excellence and leaving a lasting legacy. His message resonates in a world where genuine leadership is more necessary than ever, and the ability to form legendary teams can make a difference in competitiveness and business effectiveness.