It’s a privilege being in a leadership role. People are relying on you to use your skills to both collaborate with them as well as navigate them through the best and worst of times. You are there for everyone but yourself. If you’re fortunate enough to be in any kind of leadership role in any kind of organization with any group of people, then here are the basics (well, at least according to me – I beg your pardon in advance for my directness) …
1. Put relationships first.
There’s close to nothing more annoying than someone who refers to anything related to building relationships as “touchy-feely.” Talking down about something so intensely critical makes it eye rolling obvious that you don’t have a clue about how to relate to people. Stop looking like a fool, and start acting (and hopefully believing) like you’re in the people business, because as a leader, you are.
2. Listen.
If you actually think you’re smarter than everyone else around you, then you’re already getting it wrong. If you actually act like you’re smarter than everyone else around you, then knock it off. Step off your high horse for a few moments, walk around, and start paying attention to what’s happening. If some people seem upset, it’s normal (for that matter, you’re more than likely doing at least some things right). If nearly everyone is upset, it’s not normal (for that matter, you’re more than likely doing close to nothing right).
3. Have some patience.
The importance you’ve placed on yourself is quite an overshot. If you really have another place to be, then by all means demonstrate some basic respect and positively communicate accordingly with those you’re with and those who are waiting for you. However, let’s be realistic. Most of the time we’re in a rush because we think being extremely busy means being extremely effective. Slow down, afford some time to people, and ratchet down the “look at me, I’m in such high demand with such a massive workload” thing you’ve got going, because it’s not working.
a, b, c … easy as 1, 2, 3 … or simple as do, re, mi