In Four Decades - The Most Important Thing I Have Learned About Leaders

Yikes! I thought twice about putting that “four decades” thing in the title, because I wouldn’t want to be immediately dismissed as irrelevant, or out of touch. But… I strongly believe by interviewing over 300 thought leaders in the past six years as an ongoing quest to figure out?What Makes A Leader? -?I have something worth sharing.

First - take a step back. Slow down. Prepare to take a good hard look at your calendar, and that person in the mirror…

I interviewed a leader who fit the definition of self-made, and sold his company for $500 million. The secret to his success? He spent sixty-percent of his time with his team coaching people one-on-one. I am sure there were a bunch of other variables, but that is interesting, because most of the executives I coach don’t come anywhere close to spending that much time with their people.

So… let me ask you:?What is the area that, if you made an improvement, would you and others see the greatest?return?on time, energy, and dollars invested?

To me, for most leaders, it’s spend more time one-on-one with your people!

• Time with People 1:1 > Email, reports, Powerpoint, most meetings, etc.

And… that time with people one-on-one needs to be based on genuine care for the other person where the conversation centers on individual drivers and motivators with the purpose of insuring they know they matter, that their job is critical, and they feel like they belong as a key member of the team.?

• Listening > Talking

Someone recently told me that accountability isn’t really needed if someone really wants to do something. I’d clarify and say that if you’re spending quality one-on-one time with your people to eliminate assumptions, and insure alignment with expectations, accountability isn’t about inspecting, but helping by asking questions, sharing insights, knocking down obstacles, and providing the tools and resources required.

That’s my forty-year summary in 260 words. I would love to hear what you think is the most important thing you’ve learned about...?

What Makes A Leader?

*I’ve included a video on?Motivating Intrinsically?that hits on the theme -?"People support what they help create." It can also be expressed as:

• E = Q * C (Effectiveness = Quality * Commitment)