I know I must sound like a broken record or maybe a record that keeps skipping—if any of you remember what that was like! It bears repeating though! It all starts with knowing yourself FIRST.
When you know your strengths and values you start to realize they are a unique combination of qualities that determine how you like to work, engage, connect and so on. You do your best work when you’re free to lean into your strengths and honour your values. If you have ever checked your email or tried to log onto Facebook or Twitter from a friend’s device, just think about how differently they set things up. You think your way makes sense—and it does, to you! It works, for you. Even people who work closely together find going on each other’s devices to be a bit crazy-making. It may be a bit like trying to navigate using someone else’s brain.
So imagine how it feels when you, the boss, dictate how your employees do their work. You are asking them to do their best work using your way of thinking. IT WON’T WORK! Or at least it won’t work well.
As supervisors, managers and leaders we are charged with getting shit done. Not doing it ourselves—which is always easier. It requires a different set of skills to support others to come together to achieve a bigger purpose.
I have often quoted an old African saying—“If you want to go quickly, go alone. If you want to go farther, go together.” It does take longer to move a team through a project or toward a goal because it requires listening and supporting all the different perspectives and operating systems. A team can go further and achieve more though BECAUSE of these differences.
In the podcast I talk about pulling a Mack truck up the hill. I remember this image coming to me when I was struggling to lead a particular team. I spoke to my coach about my frustration; through our conversation I realized how I saw myself pulling the truck. A long rope over my shoulder (not an efficient approach, hmm) and as I examined the situation I saw the team, in my mind, was sitting on the back of the truck cheering me on. I didn’t appreciate the cheering in that moment and yet I recognize I, in fact, invited them to jump on. I did that by being too directive about how email should sound or how a report should look. I taught them how to follow my lead—and that meant I was pulling the truck ALL BY MYSELF.
On the other hand, when I look back over teams where I was respecting and appreciating the differences in the team—even leaning on their expertise. Instead of directing and dictating things, I was asking and curious. I set the direction and let them fly. It was more relaxing for me, the team enjoyed it more, and we all did our best work—we all got out of the office on time each day with more accomplished at the end of the day. Go Figure!
If you are struggling with this issue ask yourself:
• What is better when I have control? And at what cost to you—to others?
• What is the worst that would happen if I let go? And, is that really worse than what you are feeling now?
• What if I set the direction of the truck and invited the team to jump off and help me pull? How much faster and farther could we pull this thing if we all pulled or pushed together in the same direction—each in their own unique way?
Share your stories in the comments. I looked forward to engaging.
I would be honoured if you would subscribe to my podcast in itunes –review it too please.
Join my mailing list. I am putting together a few resources to share freely with those on my mailing list. There will be something each month starting in August.
Next week’s podcast explores the value of making a rash decision—yes, because sometimes it takes you exactly where you want to go. Have a kickass day!
Episode #3: How to Be a Kickass Boss
