Lately I have been writing a lot of leadership and that has created many questions. As an educator I feel obligated to find answers to these questions. Here was my response to a friend and colleague who was looking for ways to motivate staff.
What makes a leader great?
Ask most people and they’ll say “intelligence” for starters. Vision, drive, people skills, being able to communicate well, blah, blah, blah. Those are the crap answers you’ll get from all the Ivy League wimps who orate from behind their oak desks. They’re forgetting the big stuff; the stuff you don’t learn in prep school.
Sure, every leader needs brains (or in my case , people around them with brains) and vision, but that’s only to get the top job. Staying at the top involves possessing completely different skills. Not every clown has them. What are they?1- Being respected — unequivocally and indisputably.
2- Being street smart — It’s self-explanatory, if I need to explain it, you’ll never have it.
3- Being feared — Make people around you pee in their pants.
4- Being a good bluffer — That’s the nice way of saying “being a good liar.” Just ask any politician
5- Getting your fingernails dirty — Leading by example.Today’s lesson, my dear friend, is about the importance of number five. If you can do whatever you tell others to do, no one can ever say “I can’t.” Leading by example does two very important things; it inspires people and it garners you respect. It helps you keep your job as top dog and ensures you always get the big bologna sandwich
Get your hands dirty. Do the work and know your job and theirs! You don’t have to be the most advanced technician on the team, but you must have an in-depth understanding of your industry and your business. Leaders have many responsibilities, but it is important to work alongside your team. This is a great way to build trust and continue to develop your own knowledge and skills.
Watch what you say. Actions do speak louder than words, but words can have a direct impact on morale. For better or for worse. Be mindful of what you say, to whom, and who is listening. Always show support for all team members. If someone needs extra guidance, provide it behind closed doors. I have a rule- praise in public- punish in private. There are a few times when you need to break that rule. If you are especially close to an employee and they fuck up. Everyone needs to know you called them out on it. Years ago at camp- Jose’ came late to a meeting and then practice. As one of my best friends, I had to make sure everyone knew that I called him out on it. Otherwise I would have no authority.
Respect the chain of command. One of the fastest ways to cause structural deterioration, foster confusion, and damage morale is to go around your direct reports. All team members need to respect the leadership at every level. If tyou don’t respect the chain of command, why would anyone else?
Listen to the team. As leaders, sometimes we are so consumed with providing directive, giving orders, and, well, talking that we forget to stop and listen. If the recruitment and training engine is functioning well, you should have a whole team of experts to turn to for advice. One sign of good leadership is knowing that you don’t know everything. Listen and get feedback from your team regularly.
Take responsibility. As the saying goes, it’s lonely at the top. Blame roles uphill. Great leaders know when to accept that mistakes have been made and take it upon themselves to fix them. It doesn’t matter if one of your team members messed up or you did. If you are the leader, you need to take responsibility.
Let the team do their thing. Stop micromanaging. Communicate the mission, vision, values, and goals. Then step back and let the team innovate. Setting this example for the team will encourage your other managers to do the same.
Take care of yourself. Wellness and fitness are essential for good leadership. The more you take care of yourself, the more energy you will have and the better work you will do. The only way to build a fitness oriented culture is to lead by example. Get in shape and lead from the front.
Have a great day!
T
