For every good leader I can reference, you can point out 2.5
misleading pop culture leaders and five poor examples that you have encountered
in life. It is true, isn’t it? I mean, you probably have pulled out your trusty
finger calculators as we speak trying to configure whether or not that is true.
(Which is why I created my statistical number under 10 as, yes, I often find
myself resorting to using my fingers.)
For me, these numbers are quite correct – and not just
because I generated this statistical factoid off the top of my head. As much as
I love you, Michael Gary Scott; The Office, NBC your leadership qualities are
unorthodox and sorely lacking.
If you are going to be a leader you might as well do it
right, and do it right on the first try right? Unfortunately, it is not always
that easy. That is probably one of the first lessons a leader will learn: The
lesson of humility. So while you are down there in your humble stance, here are
a few other ways your employees are seeking out for you to…
• Lead By Example, Not By Exclaiming:
Start by being in the presence of your employees. The
mentality of being the first one there, the last to leave is an honest approach
to setting a standard of showing up to work and investing in a company with
heart and soul. A good leader is never too afraid to get their hands
"dirty." They never ask of their employee what they would not do. You
celebrate the accomplishments; offer constructive criticism when others would
offer destructive criticism. In essence, they will show, not tell. That is
leading.
• Lead By Pushing, Not Pulling:
Sometimes you have to get behind your people. There are
times your team will not believe in themselves. So if you are pulling them
along they cannot see where they are going. You have to get behind them and
their dream to help them see and understand their purpose and their power. So
sometimes a little kick in the rear is good for the morale!
• Lead By Logic, Not Leverage:
There are moments when it is easier to speak down to people.
You are an authority figure, probably have a higher salary figure (if you are
cutting their paycheck you should know this) and in the presence of others it
is human nature to want to show your dominance and achievements by exuding the
charm of a slightly egotistical superior. It is in all of us. Whether we are
taller, older, excel academically or athletically - it is how we cope. However,
a leader respects the intelligence of their "inferiors" (and I use
that term for illustrative purposes) instead of using their superiority as
leverage; as a mechanism; a method of manipulation to “motivate” others into
doing what needs doing, they use logic. Sit down, have systematic conversations,
have performance reviews and find a way to understand each other.
• Lead By Confidence, Not Cowardice:
There will be conflict, and there will be rivalry, there
will be times you have to downsize, and there will be times you have to fire
without the reason of downsizing. Leadership is about short and long term
decisions. It is about living the mission statement and trusting yourself and
your instincts. Those around you will take their cue from you and as a leader
you cannot hide behind the excuse of, “I want to hear what your thoughts are on
this," so as not to have to make an executive decision. It is about
responsibility, taking a vision and confidently and effectively delegating and
putting it into action.
So will you? Will you put your vision into action?
It takes gutsy to be a good leader. Do you have what it
takes?
-The Green Couch
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