By definition to lead is to go before or with, to show the way. In these erratic economic times, when the leaders in big business are making poor ethical choices for self gratification, it is important that we analyze what makes a person a leader qualified to 'show the way'.... a person who is able to inspire others to do their best.
We are social beings, searching for validation, and motivated by a community striving towards common goals. Thus at work, we appreciate the leader who is able to create community: the one who works hand in hand with his fellow workers, to create a strong team with open and honest communication. He is a servant of the community with high values, who puts the good of others ahead of his own personal benefit.
Ideally leaders are the ones who are in charge. They are, however, often not in upper management, or in the most prestigious positions. They are sometimes the ones behind the scenes who command the respect and admiration of all they come in contact with, not because of the position they hold, but because of the attitude they have and how they treat other people.
Gary Edwards, the vice president of Maritz Research said that often employers promote managers based on their ability to excel at their job, and not necessarily by their people skills. The result is a disconnect where communication is poor, resulting in loss of group and individual validation, loss of self esteem and job satisfaction resulting in group dissension and lower productivity.
How does the leader communicate effectively to create a productive and satisfying work environment?
HAVE A COMMON AND MEANINGFUL VISION
To survive the day-to-day frustrations at work, we need to believe that the work we are doing is meaningful and that we are making a contribution in achieving a company vision. . In a recent study 80% of Americans would continue to work even if they did not need to. Why? They wish to contribute, connect with others, and grow. So a sustainable vision needs to be based on a larger purpose - something beyond producing goods/services, making money, or even being the best in the business. Instead it's a vision founded on making contribution to the greater good, and based on a solid value system If employees are able to have a part in designing the vision, sharing the passion behind the work they do, and then playing a vital role in assuring success, there is OWNERSHIP and energy needed to get through rough times. Most importantly, the goals of the group must be based on values that are agreed upon by all.
In mountain climbing everyone is connected to a rope. That rope is the guide that insures that everyone is going in the same direction safely. Distance and outside conditions may make communications challenging, yet there is an unspoken common bond that holds everyone together. When there is a disconnect, and tension along the rope, the common bond that holds the group together is compromised. In mountain climbing this could be life threatening. It is the leaders place to stop, communicate openly, discuss what needs to be done to relieve the tension, and reconnect the group so it can move on in the same direction with reinforced goals. Similarly, in working towards a business goal, there will always be unforeseen obstacles to threaten progress. It is the leaders role to communicate, to evaluate the situation, and promote group participation in reevaluating and reinforcing a group vision.
ESTABLISH OPEN, HONEST COMMUNICATION
Open and honest communication is TOTAL communication, from the top down and from the bottom up without regard to title or rank. To create the environment that encourages this kind of communication there needs to be mutual trust based on respect of individual differences without judgment. It is up to the leader to create the environment that encourages total, honest communication so that everyone is informed about what is going on and why. Above all, the leader must be authentic: be who he is, say what he means and show his own vulnerability by admitting his own shortcomings. He must be honest with his co-workers about what he needs and what he needs from them. A level of trust is then created, that encourages employees to do the same.
"Senior management must 'walk the talk' or suffer the consequences of their actions; an unproductive and unprofitable company. " They need to recognize how their actions and words impact employees' trust of the company, its products, and its reputation. If they fail to recognize the importance of these factors, the whole company stands to suffer." Rick Garlick, director of strategic consulting Maritz research
HONOR INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES
The successful leader understands his employees and respects their individual differences. Everyone has something to contribute to the overall plan, and everyone's skills and experience are different. It's important to have individuals in roles that fit them, their skills and their personal goals. The key is to keep communication open and listen to discover individual strengths and weaknesses and respect that they are all needed for the team to work effectively together.
When a mountain climbing expedition is planned, members of the team are chosen based on a strength or area of expertise that is needed: procurement of supplies, climbing ability, communication, logistics, etc. The safety of the team depends on people being qualified, trained and right for the job they are assigned to. Team members understand what roles are necessary for the project to succeed, and must trust that the individuals will do what has to be done. They know that everyone is valuable and necessary no matter how small his part is in reaching the group goals.
REALLY CARE ABOUT YOUR PEOPLE
The leader really cares about the people he works with not only as employees and workers, but also as whole people. Creativity and energy at work are directly related to the balance of work, and family life. Creating that balance is hard in a work environment that loses itself in striving to increase productivity and the bottom line. Supporting family life means supporting the emotional needs of the individuals and being available to provide encouragement or help.
At the same time, having FUN at work is an important part of productivity, to prevent burnout, and spark creativity. Really caring about people means wanting them to enjoy their work. Ultimately the leader wants everyone to succeed, not only for the common business goal, but also for themselves. How does he make this happen?
Value individuals by asking questions, and listening (REALLY LISTENING) to what they are saying with sincere interest and without making judgment. Show that you really care. Include families in some business activities
Provide the means to have FUN breaks … do the unexpected …laugh
Mountain climbing is supposed to be a recreational activity and yet it is deadly serious at times. On the trail each step is important, calculated and a means to the final destination. Each step requires focus and concentration. In reality, it's almost impossible to stay focused all the time. Sometimes you have to stop, take a few extra breaths, look at the beauty around you, laugh a little at yourself, and then forge ahead with new energy.
CREATE A LEARNING ENVIRONMENT
A real leader encourages each person to reach their highest potential as they work for the collective goal. Giving people challenging opportunities to stretch beyond implies trust in them and their capabilities. Encouraging people to take ownership of their learning journeys implies that they are motivated to stretch beyond. Provide the proper training for them, encourage them to go for further training and then give them the resources to go even beyond that. It implies trust and will go far to encourage them to trust you too.
An expedition group is made up of people with the technical skills, interest and values that are needed for the group to work together. A lot of communication has to happen to make sure that everyone will be able to work together. In the group it is ideal to have people with many of the skills needed, not just the one they are responsible for. The more skills, the more able the group is to handle difficult situations by helping each other through them. Ideally individuals will teach each other and help each other to make the work easier.
REWARD PEOPLE FOR A JOB WELL DONE
Finally, people feel valued if they are acknowledged and rewarded for work they do: financial encouragement in the form of bonuses, promotions, and just a simple "GOOD JOB" go far to boost moral and show people that they are valued and appreciated for the job they do. Behavior reinforced is behavior repeated. Then follow up with rewards: bonus, public recognition, or a chance to be part of a special project, and more challenging and rewarding work. Communication about job performance should be heartfelt and honest. If there is hard work and effort but not the desired result, encouragement and appreciation for effort goes far in boosting morale.
In mountain climbing, reaching the summit is the goal, but it is not always accomplished. Those who get to the top benefit from the feeling of accomplishment and congratulations of others. The most powerful part of the experience, however, is the struggle to get to the summit: that's where the learning and the passion is. If 'getting there' was all-important, you could have a helicopter drop you on the peak … BUT it would mean nothing. So there is much to learn about yourself and the process, by making the supreme effort and coming up short. Perhaps there is even more reward in doing your best to help others to get to the peak.
The Inspired Leader ... The Communicator © is Copyright Soaring 2002
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