So what is leadership? Perhaps it is as simple as helping people to reach their potential, and getting something significant accomplished that benefits mankind. Here are some helpful principles I was reminded of a couple of days ago:
To Act vs. Be Acted Upon
- Many wait to be told what to do. In the workplace, many set their brains outside the door and wait to be acted on. In other words, ”please just tell me what you want me to do, and I’ll do it.” If you are in an environment where the best idea doesn’t win, there is excessive credit being given to a few, and blame is common-place, look to get out unless you feel you can change the environment. Find a place where you and everyone can contribute their best talents, thoughts and efforts, and where everyone together can take the smartest risks in furthering a noble purpose.
Be Clear About the Outcome
- We generally aren’t clear about the outcomes we desire. Be clear. Make sure that the outcomes leave the world a better place. Leaders spend considerable time trying to be clear about the desired outcomes.
Develop Others
- We need to be clear about what we desire to leave behind. Living a legacy of helping others to reach their fullest potential is what matters most. Train a multitude to be the next leaders.
- Help people to think about the outcomes, give them learning experience, let people act, and get out of the way.
But I Don’t Have Enough Time To Develop Others
It is a false premise to think we don’t have enough time. The key to achieving any noble and significant goal is through developing others. So, the main chore is to develop others so that the goals can be achieved and people can grow.
But It Won’t Get Done Right
- Yes, it won’t be just the way you want at first. Expect that but realize that you are growing people and expanding capability. People learn one step at a time. Stretch people but don’t overwhelm them so they end up failing.
Be Respectful But Open
- To always say what people want to hear is selfish. This means that we want to always be liked and care more about our self interests than those we are trying to serve.
Counsel Together
- Learn to counsel with others continuously. Learn to separate content from personal attack. Debate the content but don’t attack the person.
Credit or Blame
- Learn to not worry about credit or blame. Give credit to God and others whenever possible. Avoid the destructive game of blaming.
Be Clueless
- When we are clueless we are more dependent on others. In other words, we listen more, we observe more, we respect more, we strive harder when we are clueless
