It’s interesting that most books on leadership are written by "experts." But who says they’re experts? Yeah, I know there are colleges and universities that give degrees in leadership. But who made the professors experts? Dave Logan, a leadership expert, and really fine man, signed my copy of his Tribal Leadership book, which by the way is very good, “To Chief Bob Vasquez - To a Real Leader, from one who merely pretends.”
Who really knows whether or not someone is a leader? The followers! We ask “leadership experts” for advice and guidance and always neglect those who really know, the followers!
So how does a leader know whether or not she/he is leading effectively? Ask. The followers. Yeah, that’s risky, especially if you make it personal, which leading really is. But there are some questions a leader can ask that are more about the performance. The ultimate question is, “How do your followers see you?” And the answer is valid. No excuses. Now, these questions lead to the personal part of leading, because, as I said, leading IS personal. A person leads another. But these questions, making the responses as objective as possible, can held guide you. Here they are:
What do you see as my strengths? Old thinking said that we need to work on our weaknesses. New thinking says that we should capitalize on our strengths. Work on your weaknesses so that they don’t interfere with your ability to practice your strengths, but hone your strengths, whatever your followers tell you they are.
What do you see that I could improve on? This one is difficult to accept sometimes. As my mentor, Don Miguel Ruiz, advises, don’t take it personally. Think about the behavior/action your follower is telling you, based on her/his observation, you might improve. Remember, your goal is to be a better leader TO YOUR FOLLOWERS, not to anyone else.
What are you willing to do to help me improve in those areas? Another mentor, Dr Stephen Covey once told me, “No involvement, no commitment.” Leading is a team effort. Invite your followers to help you lead them. The result, really, is that they’ll eventually lead themselves. That’s real effectiveness…when you don’t have to worry about whether or not they’re doing what’s right. They just do. It’s their identity to do so.
What will I(we) do to help me improve? This is the real commitment question. Make an improvement plan with your followers’ help. Again, as they help you grow, they can’t help but grow, as well.
Leading can be fun. It is, especially when you succeed. Your purpose as a leader is to grow as you help your followers grow. Keep them in the mix. It’s about them as much as it is about you. And THEY really know….
Until next time, Be GREAT! You ARE!
¡HEIRPOWER!
bob vásquez!
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