Leadership

Jun

2020

Three Keys to Building a Team

I was providing a leadership training to a local company and someone afterwards asked about sport coaching because of my past experience. As we talked I reflected on how some teams I had been around were very successful and some never got traction. Talent is a factor and work ethic, but three key components came to mind that impact every team regardless of talent or work ethic.

People Skills

“I have yet to find the person, however great or exalted his station, who did not do better work and put forth greater effort under a spirit of approval than he would ever do under a spirit of criticism.” Dale Carnegie

Many of us have had task oriented leaders . . . unfortunately I know I have been that person. That is ok, but as leaders we develop our ability to connect as we grow our people skills. As John Maxwell says in his book Everyone Communicates, Few Connect, connecting requires energy.

Leadership is inspiring and influencing others and that requires the ability to connect with others. Once I was talking to a leader who was starting a new position and as we discussed what he was doing as he began the role he said “building relationships.” As a task-oriented person that was a huge reminder to build an effective team I must connect with those I will lead and lead with. The ability to form strong relationships will strongly influence the second element.

Culture

Sports leadership expert Jeff Janssen in his excellent book on culture How to Build and Sustain a Championship Culture reminds us multiple facets exist in a culture, but provides a simple definition:

“At its very basic level, culture is as simple as how things are done in your program. It is your program’s typical Way of doing things.”

Some teams I’ve been around created a culture where talented players started regardless of their effort in practice or elsewhere. This ultimately led to the demise of the team. On the other hand, I’ve seen teams create a “we” culture where everyone contributes their strengths to the common goal and they become champions. Be aware of your team or organization’s culture because it critically impacts results.

Leadership Style

In his book Primal Leadership Daniel Goleman discusses various leadership styles that either draw people in or repel them. He states: “Optimistic, enthusiastic leaders more easily retain their people, compared with those bosses who tend toward negative moods.” Maybe you’ve heard it said another way: people don’t leave companies, they leave leaders.

I explained the various leadership styles Goleman discussed in a previous post so I will not go in detail here. We all have a natural style, but does it serve us in every situation and what impact does it make on our organization?

People skills, culture and leadership approach are not mutually exclusive. They integrate to create the team. How aware are you of your organization’s culture, your people skills or even how you lead? Could it help you to have someone come alongside you to help think into these areas so you can improve both your personal results and the results of your team? If so, contact me.

Where we are now is not where we have to remain. If we are willing to be uncomfortable, stretch and grow then we can take our team to new heights. Lead Well.

Jun

2020

What Gladiator Taught Me About Leading

I enjoy a good drama. Maybe I am unique because I have a hard time not thinking during a movie instead of simply turning off my brain and taking in the movie. I look for a couple themes in movies that I am striving to grow in: 1. Leadership 2. Fatherhood. One of my top five all-time favorite movies is Gladiator starring Russell Crowe as the general Maximus. Before going any further I must remind you that the movie is fictional although based on some true characters.*

Noble Warrior

Maximus is the General of the Roman army during the time of Emperor Marcus Aurelias. He is a very noble man who longs to be home with his wife and son. As you watch this movie you see a man who leads by example and puts others before himself. All you can gather about him as a father is that he is a very loving a caring father who probably cares for his family in the same way he cares for the soldiers he leads.

Wise Sage

Marcus Aurelius also is characterized as a very noble man. He was known for his wisdom and how he ruled by reason. We see a humble man who let his people do their jobs and empowered them. He led by principle, yet felt he was a failure to his son. The movie does not reveal the nuances of this father’s relationship to his son, but I get a sense there was a great disconnect because of the difference in values. This difference grew into a favoritism of Maximus to the point of virtually rejecting his son.

Wounded Leader

Aurelius had a daughter and a son. Lucilla and Commodus. Lucilla was a strong and principled woman who agreed with the Roman ideals, but Commodus was driven mad by his ambition and hunger for power. This feeling of a lack of love from his father appears to drive the ambition for power as if it will fill the void of love in his soul.

Which are you?

Three men, all leaders, two of them fathers. This movie reveals three different types of leaders. The wise sage who leads from a far, but cares for his people as we see in Marcus Aurelius. Maximus, the courageous and noble warrior who uses that same courage and nobility to lead gladiators to unite against a common enemy instead of only fending for themselves. A wounded leader who appears to fill the empty void in his soul with a drive for recognition, power, and fame which all allude him no matter how hard he tries.

The question for all leaders is which of these do you lean to? A wise sage who has made mistakes? Are you the courageous and noble warrior? Maybe the wounded leader? Whether you are a father or a mother you could fall into any of these areas. As a leader myself I can be each one at times, but I hope to be a man who demonstrates the courage of Maximus, the wisdom of Marcus Aurelius and the appropriate and healthy amount of selfless ambition unlike the selfish ambition of Commodus. How will you lead with courage, wisdom, and selfless ambition to add value to those around you today? Lead Well.

*For the facts there is a short bio on Marcus Aurelias, but it may be a spoiler for you if you thought Gladiator was true. http://www.biography.com/people/marcus-aurelius-9192657#challenges-to-his-authority

Jun

2020

Learning from Leaders: Dana Pittard

I was talking with West Point graduate and author of the book Hunting the Caliphate. Major General 2-star (retired) Dana Pittard had spent time in 85 countries and served the United States in many ways. My objective was not to learn his many stories, but learn the leadership principles he has determined work for him over the years.

At a young age Dana gravitated toward relationship roles such as running and attaining the role of class president as a freshman in high school. This desire to lead was not centered around a hunger for power, but from a desire to care for people. This theme is evident in his top three leadership principles.

Compete against a standard not a person

He had me thinking immediately on a competitive versus creative mindset as we discussed this idea. While discussing this he shared that if everyone competes against a standard it creates four benefits:

Everyone can win. When the standard is common for all team members the goal can be achieved by all and even exceeded.
If people are not fighting for one reward and are ultimately working toward a common goal, this will encourage an environment of teamwork.
Servant leadership. Every member has the same goal so the leader assumes the role of chief helper. The leader is continually asking his people and himself “how can I help.”
Combine all three of these and team members learn the skill of negotiation. Instead of seeking win/lose they compromise to find a win/win.

People and Trust

As we talked, he highlighted the reality that leadership is all about trusting OF people and trusting IN people. As leaders our job is to not control, but guide everyone toward a common direction. When defining leadership Mr. Pittard said leadership is:

“unifying a group of people for a common purpose whether they want to go there or not.”

Unifying.

This requires building trust and solid relationships. When discussing this concept, we explored the idea that as a leader receives more authority because of their position they should be more of a servant. The leader’s goal is to help everyone else be successful and by laying down our need to control or have all the credit we are able to achieve that goal. Through genuinely serving others leaders will naturally demonstrate their trust of and in the people they lead.

Inclusion

I had not heard the story of the spider versus the starfish, but this illustration clearly demonstrated the difference between a long-term leadership approach and the opposite. Think of a spider and a starfish. If you cut off the head of a spider . . . it dies. On the other hand if you cut off the arm on a starfish it regenerates. Which type of leadership lasts?

Starfish because it is not completely dependent on the leader. The flat structure lasts and maintains continuity even in organizations with high leadership turnover such as the military. This flat structure creates an inclusive environment where communication flows easily and everybody’s skills and talents can be optimized.

These are Dana’s top three principles. There is more. . . . his most important lesson learned, but I will have to save that for another post. My question to you is: which of these three do you need to work on? How are you at creating a culture that values people and if you are doing well at this, what can you do better? Not sure, let’s talk and discover if a tool like The Leadership Game could help you evaluate your team in a non-threatening and engaging way. In the meantime, lead well.

Jun

2020

We Must Lead With This . . .

Over the past week I have been processing and asking myself what am I to say, if anything? My problem is that I recognize I cannot make any type of ripple to change this deeply systemic and horribly wrong problem that exists in our nation. I will not say I can personally understand, because I can’t, but what I can say is racism is wrong and the systemic change starts with those of us people who make up the system. What can those of us who are people of influence, or leaders, with or without a position do?

Listen

I was listening to a leader explain what he had done over the past week. He had done exactly what any good leader will do . . . listen. He asked the hard questions to understand from others’ perspective and listened. As leaders within our homes, communities and workplaces we need to create an environment where with care and candor these difficult conversations can be had and we need to be quiet. Seek to understand and feel with others what this injustice feels like.

Be Honest

This is a look inward. Over the past few days I have been processing with multiple people. As I was having conversations one person close to me pointed out an unintentional way I communicate that adds to the problem. I have to be honest with myself and open to understanding what I say and do and how it can impact others. As leaders we must look at ourselves and the organization or team culture we create. Does it promote respectful honesty about important issues? If not and we are the leader, it starts with us.

Change

The application. Why am I slow to say anything? Change takes time and transformation starts with each of us individually. As we listen and are honest light will shine on what we need to change. The first change must start with me and then ask what is my role in making a impact, even if small, to the system of injustice that I can impact? Rosa Parks one small action made a significant impact that started in her community. What is the one small action, or big, we leaders must take to address the system?

Care and Love

This is a problem that is much deeper than the color of one’s skin. The solution is deeper than superficial adjustments, saying different things, or creating a new policy. At the core of the solution is love and care.

While implementing the above three steps will we allow ourselves to be transformed into people of love and care who consider the needs of one another not just in crisis, but daily? One of my favorite books describes how we show care best in its description of love. Whether in the home, community, or marketplace more of the following will serve to make a small ripple to transform this systemic problem.

Love is: patient, kind, does not envy, does not boast, is not proud, does not dishonor others, is not self-seeking, is not easily angered, keeps no record of wrongs, does not delight in evil, finds joy in truth, protects, trusts, hopes, and perseveres. If we seek to lead with this list in mind we will be leading justly and creating homes, workplaces, and communities where people are valued.

How can you and I lead more justly today? Lead Well.

Jun

2020

Leadership Care or Treatment?

I was talking with a friend of mine in the medical field and the idea of care versus treatment came up. When I heard that idea it made me think about how we lead.

Allow me to provide a little context. A doctor who is providing care is creating an environment that often is proactive in nature. Think of your annual physical.

On the other hand, a physician who is providing treatment is responding or reacting to a problem. Think of an emergency room physician or a sick visit at your regular doctor.

As leaders we can do the same.

Leadership Care

I have had the opportunity to spend time around multiple sport coaches and see various leadership styles. One coach I remember intentionally took time at the beginning of every practice to invest into his players. He would provide them with a notebook and they would discuss specific traits that made a good player.

The next part of his practice was focused on the fundamental skills necessary to excel. This combination consistently provided high performing teams. This coach understood how to provide leadership care. He knew if he focused on the daily disciplines combined with a greater purpose he would get increased results.

Leadership Treatment

Some organizations regularly operate by this method. They tend are reactive instead of proactive. Imagine if firefighters never did training exercises, but waited until there was an actual fire. How effective would they be?

There are times when as leaders we must react and deal with a problem that has been thrust upon us, but then we are engaging in squeaky wheel leadership. You know if you lead by this treatment method because you feel constantly stressed and behind. A treatment-based leadership mindset is constantly reactive in nature.

Stephen R. Covey in his classic book The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People states:

“what matters most is how we respond to what we experience in life.”

This ability to respond instead of react requires us to step out of the treatment mode long enough to think into the leadership challenges we face and move forward judiciously.

Treatment is necessary because problems and emergencies need attention, but the more proactively we lead, the more effectively we will think ahead and provide care to those we lead. Transformational leaders see the bigger picture before others and can call people to join them in that journey. This is leadership care at its best.

What ways do you function in leadership care mode? Please share. Are you stuck in treatment mode and need someone to come alongside you to help you think into how to be more proactive in your leadership? If that is you contact me for a no cost thirty minute thinking partner session. In the meantime. Lead well.

May

2020

Memorial Day Leadership

Freedom and heroes. When I think of Memorial Day, a day to remember those who gave their lives so we in the United States could have freedom, these are the words that come to mind.

Yes, these are the soldiers who have voluntarily given their lives so those of us who did not serve may have the freedoms we experience. There are more. Those who daily serve our communities keeping us safe and free from harm.

Those who run toward harm to save lives, protect lives, and heal lives. For these people I have created this hoping to encourage everyone to be a hero by being a leader for what is true, noble, just and right. The musician Bob Dylan put it well when he said:

“A hero is someone who understands the responsibility that comes with his freedom.”

As you read these thoughts, put aside all political or other opinions and ask yourself one question: how can this help me be a better leader at work, at home, or in my community today?

“Freedom cannot be bestowed; it must be achieved.”

Franklin D. Roosevelt

These words come from a man who lost much to Polio. This did not prevent him from experiencing as much freedom as possible and leading a nation to fight for its freedom amidst the threat of great tyranny. As leaders we must continue to fight for the freedom we and those we lead experience.

“My fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.”

John F. Kennedy

I find myself often feeling I deserve certain privileges or experiences. I have those because of others before me and as a leader I can blaze a path to achieve greater freedoms for others if I am willing to serve others before myself.

“Our nation owes a debt to its fallen heroes that we can never fully repay, but we can honor their sacrifice.”

President Barack Obama

As a leader I get trapped in my own agenda and fail to honor those around me. What do we need to do as leaders to honor those who sacrifice in big and small ways for the freedoms we experience?

“Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe to assure the survival and the success of liberty.”

President John F. Kennedy

Adversity can be a leader’s constant companion. Leaders are problem solvers. Just as those who have fought for our freedoms have paid the ultimate price, supported one another, met hardship, and opposed enemies; leaders must do the same in pursuit of their noble, just, and right vision.

“Whether we observe the occasion through public ceremony or through private prayer, Memorial Day leaves few hearts unmoved. Each of the patriots whom we remember on this day was first a beloved son or daughter, a brother or sister, or a spouse, friend, and neighbor.”

George Bush

Leaders must remember people. How easily we become enamored by the goal and forget the sons, sisters, spouses, friends and neighbors we lead. Without the people and appreciating their sacrifice there would be no leader. As leaders one of our top goals is to add value and value those we serve.

“I don’t have to tell you how fragile this precious gift of freedom is. Every time we hear, watch, or read the news, we are reminded that liberty is a rare commodity in this world.”

President Ronald Reagan

Thank you those of you who lead and serve in our military and for the freedom you have provided and continue to provide for all of us in this nation.

“Peace is the real and right memorial for those who have died in war.”

President Richard Nixon

Lead Well.