I was sitting beside a man who is about a foot taller than me. I asked him for some of his time because I knew he was a man of great character and also had an opportunity to be a part of an elite Division I college basketball program so I wanted to learn what insights he had on leadership.
Rob works as a sales manager for Amgen, a pharmaceutical company in the Indianapolis area. During our time we discussed the leadership principles he learned from his experience in that elite basketball program.
The coach he played under had three key principles he modeled: hard work, knowledge, and preparation. This coach’s principles have influenced his leadership, but some of the coach’s traits showed him ways he did not want to lead.
As we reflected on Rob’s experience three key leadership principles came to the surface which influence his present leadership approach.
Coach to the positive
Rob played at a time when some coaches tore athletes down psychologically in order to build them up. At times coaches and leaders can unintentionally focus too much on the negative instead of reinforcing the positive. Instead of tearing people down, Rob seeks to build his team up as much as possible by first affirming their strengths. After that, when necessary, he will point out growth areas and equip his team for those areas.
Be transparent
At work Rob now leads some of the individuals he previously worked alongside. This creates a unique environment where he admits his weaknesses and recognizes they are a team. He sees his job is helping team members achieve their goals. As leaders we need to willingly share areas that need improvement and then create the appropriate plan for growth.
Create opportunities
As a player he received opportunities because of his hard work and discipline. As a leader, he provides those he leads with opportunities for growth and advancement. In order to have that mindset he must be more concerned about his team’s growth than his personal agenda.
While we concluded our time together, I asked him for one key takeaway. Rob replied that we need to remember where we came from and we are no better than anyone else. He reflected that if we respect people and treat them like humans we will be leading well.
What about you? How are you leading your team? Are you being transparent and authentic? Do you create opportunities for those you lead to continue to develop? Our mindset is constantly a challenge, how are you at thinking positively and helping your team by focusing more on the positive than the negative? Let me know how I can help you to lead better at work and home. Lead well.
©2019 Wheeler Coaching, All Rights Reserved
