‘Charlie, I need to change suppliers, these have let me down yet again – why can’t they get it right …’
Delivery problem Ben?
‘I need to change ’em Charlie, they don’t share the vision.’
Hey, let’s not alienate ourselves from colleagues, our team, that’s not what successful leadership is about … who is it that needs change?
‘Yes I know what you are saying, but these guys already know what I want – I shouldn’t have to keep explaining how we operate… and I’m busy, I’ve my own work to do plus I don’t have time to hold their hand.’
Be steady Ben, I know you have had a lot on the plate just now but take a step back.
By being seen as aloof, wrapped up in your own world, you will soon realise that to others you may seem too intense, unapproachable.
Be the leader who is true to you, the person. Show some transparency, be more approachable, invite comment, encourage communication. You’ll find more ‘stuff is done!’
We’ve all been where you are today. Just too busy to care about others …
‘But …’
Hang on, share something, share just a little more.
You know,it was not so long ago I recall making a conscious decision to explain my own vision of the company to others, the vision I thought they shared.
Trouble was, I’d been working with them already twelve months and shared very little …
‘Share Charlie, share …’ Ben added wryly.
Try it Ben, it’s a win-win – with immediate results, I found the ideas flowed with renewed enthusiasm after a share of the vision and realised that to lead others, I needed to share more, to offer vision and to lead by example.
Life has a way of leading us a merry dance Ben, take time for a smile as we learn the steps.
CharlieKenny.me 