In a recent “Leadership” development class the group of attending managers came to the conclusion that their employees were watching everything they do, most likely far closer than they may have realized. How a leader walks and how a leader talks affects how they perform, and whether they embrace a company’s vision. Leadership implies a couple of things. First, leadership implies a “following”. (Occasionally you should look over your shoulder to see if anyone is there), and secondly, it implies a “choice” on the part of the follower. Managers who find themselves with no followers and with employees not doing what they need them to do will often wonder, “What is wrong with them?” While leaders ask an entirely different question, “What am I failing to do to effectively get the most out of the team?” Managers blame. Leaders own.
This very scenario unfolded today on an early morning coaching call with one of the managers who attended the session we mentioned above. John had agreed to do regular coaching of his assistant managers and to build what we call a playbook on the their direct reports. The playbook would includes notes on what motivates the individual, answers the question of what the employee values and what generational characteristics they display. John mentioned that he was having trouble getting his assistants to do these important and beneficial activities.
I asked John if he had shown them his playbook and demonstrated how to coach as a way of leading by example. His response? “I don’t need to do that, I keep it all in my head, but these new people, they really need it.” No matter how many questions I asked, he was unwilling to see the necessity of doing so. While I haven’t given up on John, it is obvious that it is going to take time. He clings to age old adage “Do as I say, not as I do!”
Today we must adhere to a different adage, that being “Do as I say, now watch me do as I say!” If you need to turn managers into leaders and require assistance in doing so, give us a call at 917-930-0801 or check out the website at www.transglobaldevelopment.com We’re going to be able to help. We will custom design sessions for your current leadership group targeting how to get the most out of your current workforce.