You may be wondering if you even need to read this. If you do not have a fancy title you may think that lets you off the hook. Not so fast. In my book, you probably are a leader and you can read my blog post “Who, me, a leader? Yes, you!” to see why. As a quick recap – if you are a department head, committee chairperson, pastor, teacher, team leader for a social group, a parent or anyone that has direct influence on a group of other people you are a leader!
So to back up to that “inspiring or frustrating” part – how many of us get caught up in feeling frustrated by our boss? Maybe we complain about them, don’t really give our best, maybe are even looking for another job while at work… It is easy to do, because, well they can sometimes make life miserable. They can be pushy, demanding, dishonest, lack follow-through, forget what it is like “back here.” Seriously – do they have any idea how much they drive us crazy?! Here’s where I step on a lot of toes (trust me, mine are stinging a bit too).
How often do we step back and recognize where we are possibly making others miserable that we lead?
I have this crazy idea that the world would be a better place if we would ALL step up as leaders and lead the people around us the way we want to be led. The workplace would be fun and something we looked forward to each day. Churches would run smoothly and all get along. The first day of school in homes across the country would be just like on the Brady Bunch. And rainbows and unicorns would dance across our backyards… Okay – so maybe it wouldn’t be all unicorns and rainbows, BUT I do believe we can each make a difference by starting with a few “simple” steps.
- Take time to check in on your “team” daily (however that is defined for you). How often do you just take time to say “hi,” check in on them, find out how their lives are going? As John Maxwell says, “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.” We are all so busy it is easy to fly right past without even saying “hello.” Moms and dads – what are the last words your kids hear at night? Teachers – how do you greet your students each morning? Team leader – do you know anything about your team members outside of work (not in a creepy way, but a caring way)?
- Follow-through. People want to know they can trust you; that you are credible. The best way to build that trust is by doing what you say you will do. Sounds simple right? But really, how often do we let people down (especially those closest to us) and not think much of it? Or make excuses? When we do that often enough people stop believing in us.
- Ask for their input. No you don’t have to get input and consensus on everything but showing that you value their thoughts and ideas (and giving positive feedback even if their idea won’t work!) goes a long way to them feeling like they are part of the process. Even if a task or project was sent “down from the top” getting your team to discuss how to approach as a team, the value to the overall group, or how to manage that with other projects can help everyone on the team feel involved, engaged and important.
This is just the tip of the iceberg in becoming a leader, and since that is a lifelong pursuit I guess we’d all better get started with trying these first few steps.
As Gandhi so famously said “Be the change you wish to see in the world.”
What other basic steps would go a LONG way in helping leaders more positively lead? I’d love to hear your thoughts.
Interested in growing as a leader (in work and life) and/or creating a team that is engaged, excited and high-performing? I’d love for you visit my website and see how coaching can help you reach your full potential.
