I sat in the classroom of a man who has fulfilled multiple roles in education. He recently allowed me to lead his classes through an experience of The Leadership Game, and he has also served as an administrative leader, sport coach, and leads this school’s Students in Action club within the school that helps students grow as leaders through engaging in public service projects.
As I sat there I had one question: what would you say are three keys to leadership? At first he gave a stock answer which I found to be excellent: value stakeholders, engage your people, and don’t micromanage. That took about one minute and then we had a more robust conversation on his simplified, yet profound answer to the question.
- Relationships – This is the foundation for effective leadership. A leader may have a laid back style or may be very rigid and structured, but these are styles. The important principle is that the leader is a person who creates value for those he or she leads. Mr. Torres explained that a good leader will make sure the individuals he or she leads know they are cared about personally and the relationship is not purely transactional. For example, is the only interaction between student and teacher about getting work done or is there interaction around other interests in the student’s life? The stronger the relationship the more open and effective communication will be.
- Clear Vision – Students in Action promotes the idea of thinking big to change the world. As we talked Mr. Torres discussed how this common language helps them maintain a clear vision on what they are attempting to accomplish. This clear vision has played out another way in his leadership through his involvement in theatrical productions. Each year he knows what the ultimate result will look like for his production, but he may emphasize various parts. For example if he doesn’t have superior talent or singing skills within his cast then the scenery will be emphasized to highlight that strength. He will look for where the cast is strong and feature that in alignment with the vision for the performance.
- Motivation – As we talked, this topic came out in connection to the previous two concepts, but I find it deserves individual attention. I asked him to explain what he means by motivation. One of the first concepts he emphasized was the importance of listening. This skill is critical to knowing how to motivate those you lead because it helps you figure out where they want to go and how to get them there. Another key to motivating those he leads is helping resource them so they can build their skills and have small successes. These successes are celebrated and lead to increased confidence.
Many other great concepts came out of our time together, but one idea he shared captures his ideas of leadership in a succinct way. Does the leader ask “what do you want?” and want the best for you and help you develop as a person. This is the type of leader who gets clarity on the other person’s vision, values relationships, and will know how to motivate those he or she leads.
What about you? How are you doing in these areas at work and home? If you are a task-minded person do you need to consciously slow down to know the people around you? Do you need greater clarity on your vision or maybe listen better so you can motivate more effectively? Whatever the first step in your leadership growth is today may I encourage you to take it so you can be more effective both at work and home? Continue to lead well at work and home.
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