Balance in Business

You deserve the best. It is your right to get the best leaders and career options.

Or is it?

Is it possible that such things are not your God-given right? Let’s take a couple minutes to break this down.

For the last two decades, society has pushed the ideal that everyone is a winner. Everyone is a star and should be treated as such.

But, is that truly the case?

I love sports, especially basketball. In every game of basketball there is one constant: a winner and a loser.

It is constant regardless of the blood, sweat and tears paid by both teams.

The same applies to life. There are times that no matter how hard we try, we lose.

I spent years trying to launch my first book. At one point, I threw in the towel. It wasn't until a friend encouraged me that I picked it up again.

In life, there are winners and there are losers and the question often asked is, is it fair?

For a long time, I felt it wasn’t fair that some people got everything they wanted, while I got nothing.

That changed when I realized what separates the winners from the losers. It was applied knowledge.

People who excel understand the principles of success and apply them. They put into practice what others don’t.

What does this have to do with leadership?

Great leaders are a special breed. They understand the principles of leadership and apply them.

They dedicate themselves to their team’s success. It goes without saying that great leaders experience phenomenal success.

But, are they appreciated or expected?

We are quick to complain about bad bosses. But, are we as quick to celebrate great bosses? Here is the question of this article:

Is it possible to take great leaders for granted?

“Joseph, I deserve to be treated properly in the workplace. It is my right to be respected, trusted, cared for and coached. Any leader that does this is simply doing what is expected.”

Is there a sense of entitlement here? I wouldn’t say that. To an extent, this attitude is correct. You should be treated properly by your leader.

However, this ideal is incomplete.

What are you bringing to the table?

This is the other half of the ideal of employee treatment. Your leader is human, just like you.

And just like you, they also deserve to be treated properly. That is their right.

I had mentioned earlier that in life there are winners and losers. In business, there are givers and takers.

There are people who add value to those around them. And there are those who take without giving anything in return.

In the corporate world being treated properly is your right. But, do you also extend that same curtsey to your leaders? Or do you take them for granted?

Everyone wants a great leader. But, how many people are willing to give to their leaders?

Perhaps, you might be willing to give if the leader gives you first. If so, that’s acceptable.

But, is that the practice?

Let me ask, when was the last time you checked on your boss? When was the last time you did something for your leader without expecting anything in return?

Your answer determines whether you are a giver or a taker.

Corporate relationships need to be win-win in order to be effective regardless of circumstances. Your leader adds value to you, and in return you add value to your leader.

Keep in mind, you can easily become a toxic employee. Toxic employees start out as takers. When confronted about their behaviour they justify themselves. And if that doesn’t work, they become bitter and resentful.

The key takeaway here is this, leaders love employees that add value to them. Employees that do that get promoted quicker because we tend to favour those who genuinely appreciate us.

That is basic human nature.

To the leaders who do their very best, I want to say thank you. Your efforts are greatly appreciated as you are a source of inspiration.

And to the leaders who desire to produce exceptional results, here is how.

Success in Leadership rests in Intentionality.

Training leaders on how to intentionally achieve exceptional results is my area of expertise. You an send me a message on LinkedIn or email me at [email protected].

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Catch you all next time.

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