Over the course of the last 12 to 18 months we have witnessed an intensified and very comprehensive display of what leadership is not by our elected officials at all levels across all party lines.
Now, I’m not taking sides or interested in a political discussion. Like you, I’m a citizen waiting for the people we elected to, well…do their job for all of us.
Related: What We’ve Got Here is a Failure to Communicate
However, as a result of this political display of drama, anger and missteps, I thought I would turn it into a simple learning opportunity on what I believe (and have coached clients on) are the criteria we should set for not only our elected officials, but more importantly, for each of us who are leaders within our businesses.
Leaders need to know they are judged by what they do and not by what they say. Leaders need to define reality as it is and not as they would like it to be to support their personal agenda. Leaders must set expectations – for themselves and their team – to hold people accountable to get the right job done correctly, efficiently and on a timely basis to create the best future for their team and customers. Leaders must know how to successfully confront and resolve conflict; they should never create it or prolong it. Leaders must be solution-oriented and reward the right actions that get them and their team to the right solution. Leaders must never accept “below average” and act quickly when poor performance has been identified; they never ask others to handle their tough stuff”. Leaders who think they have all the answers are sabotaging their team and their own efforts. Leaders need to know how important it is to listen to what their team members have to say. Leaders must never operate in their own “self-interest” and only do those things that make them look good. Leaders should only focus on what improves their organization. Leaders, in times of chaos and confusion, must look for the opportunities to not only solve the problem, but make the situation better going forward. A leader never should add to the chaos by adopting rigid emotional positions that suit just their needs.
So, what should you do now?
Simple: Conduct your own self-examination to evaluate how well you are leading your team. Ask yourself how well you stack up against the 10 points I have listed here. Remember this fact: When the leader gets better, so does the team and ultimately the business follows.
