Arrogance reveals itself in small behaviors that become damaging habits and lead to weak leadership. You can’t take or return phone calls, you send too many emails and don’t respond to all you receive, you won’t take time for an introductory meeting.
You solicit ideas from your subordinates, but it’s just an act. You heard you should do that in a seminar. In reality you don’t have time to give their ideas credence.
Your direct reports see the behavior. And as their mentor, they mirror it. Yet the very behavior you’ve modeled, you reprimand!
But it’s not your fault… You ARE incredibly busy and very important. Guess what? So is everyone else.
A true leader knows how to manage his/her time in order to accomplish more than the average worker. That means finding time for calls; being eager to meet new people; and thinking that others might have a perspective worthy of consideration.
Being in a position of leadership dictates more is expected of you. You are modeling and creating new leaders! The only reason you rose to your position was because of others’ listening, encouraging, supporting, and trusting you. In my career I’ve seen too many leaders fail their teams because they lose their humility and appreciation of others.
It’s easy to be above-it-all and ‘hide’ from others while enjoying a position
of leadership – don’t.
The sooner you can get a grip on managing your time, your work, and your life, the more productive and happy… yes, happy you’ll be. Happiness is a term that escapes many leaders; however the leader of character, courage, and class knows how to lead and still find calm in life too.
Try these ideas to become a respected and stronger mentor – leader and enjoy the magic you create.
STOP sending emails on Friday after 3pm
Don’t send another one till Monday at 10am. Give your subordinates a chance to ‘catch up’ from their busy week and get situated Monday morning with THEIR ‘to-do’ list – before they have to attend to yours!
Return EVERY call
Yes even from vendors. Return them the day you get the message. Even after business hours if need be. The industry respect you receive will set you above all others.
What Can I Do To Help You?
Quit talking and try that phrase on for size next time you are completing a visit with your subordinate.
What are some ideas you've experimented with as a leader? Which ones were successful? Which ones weren't? And what did you learn from both sides of that coin?