Leading Leaders

Over the years I have come to appreciate how to lead leaders. Here is a summary of what I have learned.

1.     Understand what a Leader is

Let’s say that you are really a leader – let’s see if this describes you? Needs minimal direction i.e. what are the KPI’s?, doesn’t seek for direct supervision but does not become upset if some is given, views themselves as a steward over his / her department or Business Unit, enjoys seeing others succeed. Leaders are somewhat if not true entrepreneurs. And that is what you want right? If so see #2

2.     Check your own ego at the door every morning (hard to do )

If you really think you are a leader make sure that is what you do…LEAD – I can’t tell you how many people that I have come across that think they are leaders when in truth they are managers (this will be another article). How do I know that? I was caught in that very same gray area for years….I thought that a good leader managed everything…..NOPE. A true leader mentors and sets the expectations….see #3. In a nut shell – learn to let go and look at the results.

3.     Set clear expectations – are you looking for a Leader or Manager?

You probably have hired the person to take over some of the tasks / department(s) / Business unit(s) that you were responsible for. What did you really hire? A Leader or manager? If you are TRULY looking for a leader you have to understand that you will need to let go of the way that you do things. The best way to get that done is to set very clear expectations as to what the KPI’s are. I mean in writing…..and please, for the sake of the “new” leader, set a time to review these on a regular basis. Or the both of you will be disappointed

4.     Don’t undermine your Leader in front of anyone - ever!

If you don’t get anything else out of this – remember #3. More than likely you will not do this on purpose – remember that you were probably the leader in the area so it will be very easy for you to have the answer or set the direction, I mean that is what you do right? The quickest way to demotivate and create disharmony is to do this. Oh and another thing – if one of your Leaders team members come to you looking for direction that is fine but make sure that the person understands that you will consult the Leader before any declarations are made.   

I can’t tell you that this is the secret sauce as everyone is different – but I can tell you that if you really think about these bullet points and implement a part of all of them you will star to get the results that you are looking for

Thoughts, comments, questions or looking for a speaker for your next event? Contact me through LinkedIn

Brian Turner