I recently had the pleasure to start a book club at my place of employment and what a tremendous experience. I have said that Leadership is my passion and it still is. What a tremendous experience to share knowledge and equip people who want to lead.
We studied my favorite book, 21 Irrefutable Laws by John C. Maxwell, and had great discussions regarding the building of a leadership tool kit. As we learn and grow as leaders, it is so important to draw on your experience however it is just as important to reflect on what you have learned. In any situation, you may or may not know exactly the right way to handle it. Stop and reflect not only your prior experience; include what you have learned. You may not have had a previous opportunity to use the skills or techniques however, there is no time like the present.
I do not profess to be an expert, I can only tell you what has worked for me. If you dont have anyone following you, how can you lead? You must care about the people first. Sometimes you want to say "Grow-up" or "Get over it", it is a challenge. No matter what job you hold or what company you work for, I will guarantee you that if you interact with 10 or more people, you have at least one complainer, one whiner, one underachiever, one superstar, and the remaining will be a collection of average staff. This is the leadership challenge: Can all of them be contributors? YES! Will it take your time? YES! However, your job as a leader is to do just that. You have to meet them where they are and that is what leaders/managers often forget. You have to work with them and get them to trust you and to catch your vision!! Make it their vision.
So in the end, to be a good leader, you have to move people to action. How do you move them to action? Meet them where they are and work with their emotions. Find out what matters to them both inside the office and outside. When they know you care and you know what they care about you will achieve great things together.
p.s. Not every person on a team will buy into you or your vision. Watch for my next post on winning people over :)
