Leadership Is About Emotion
Make a list of the 5 leaders you
most admire. They can be from business, social media, politics, technology, the
sciences, any field. Now ask yourself why you admire them. The chances are high
that your admiration is based on more than their accomplishments, impressive as
those may be. I’ll bet that everyone on your list reaches you on an emotional
level.
This ability to reach people in a way that transcends the
intellectual and rational is the mark of a great leader. They all have it. They
inspire us. It’s a simple as that. And when we’re inspired we tap into our best
selves and deliver amazing work.
So,
can this ability to touch and inspire people be learned? No and yes. The truth
is that not everyone can lead, and there is no substitute for natural talent.
Honestly, I’m more convinced of this now – I’m in reality about the world of
work and employee engagement. But for those who fall somewhat short of being a
natural born star (which is pretty much MANY of us), leadership skills can be acquired, honed and perfected.
Let’s Take A Look At Tools That
Allow For Talent To Shine:
Emotional intelligence. Great leaders understand empathy, and have the ability to
read people’s (sometimes unconscious, often unstated) needs and desires. This
allows them to speak to these needs and, when at all possible, to fulfill them.
When people feel they are understood and empathized something, they respond
PERIOD and a bond is formed.
Continuous learning. Show me a know-it-all and I’ll show you someone who doesn’t
have a clue about being human. Curiosity and an insatiable desire to always do
better is the mark of a great leader. They are rarely satisfied with the status
quo, and welcome new knowledge and fresh (even if challenging) input. It’s all
about investing in yourself.
Contextualize. Great leaders respond to each challenge with a fresh eye.
They know that what worked in one situation may be useless in another. Before
you act, make sure you understand the specifics of the situation and tailor
your actions accordingly.
Let Go. Too many people think leadership is about control.
In fact, great leaders inspire and then get
out of the way. They know that talented people
don’t need or want hovering managers. Leadership is about influence, guidance,
and support, not control. Look for ways to do your job and then get out of the
way so that people can do theirs.
Honesty. Not a week goes by that we don’t hear about a so-called
leader losing credibility because he or she was dishonest. Often this is
because of pressure to try and “measure up” and it’s not coming from a place of
being real – often this relates to fear of not being accepted for your true
self. We live in age of extraordinary transparency, which is reason enough to
always be true to your core – your mission will be revealed, your motivations
will show by your behaviors. But it goes way beyond this. It’s an issue that
sets an example and elevates an organization. If you have a reputation for
honesty, it will be a lot easier to deliver bad news and face tough challenges.
Are you inspiring people from your
heart?
Kindness and respect. Nice leaders (people) don’t finish last. They finish first
again and again. Ignorance and arrogance are leadership killers. They’re also a
mark of insecurity. Treating everyone with a basic level respect is an absolute
must trait of leadership. And kindness is the gift that keeps on giving
back. Of course, there will be people who prove they don’t deserve respect and
they must be dealt with. But that job will be made much easier, and will have
far less impact on your organization, if you have a reputation for kindness,
honesty and respect.
Collaboration. People’s jobs and careers are integral to their lives. The
more your organization can make them a partner, the more they will deliver
amazing results. This means, to the greatest extent possible, communicating
your organization’s strategies, goals and challenges. This builds buy-in, and
again is a mark of respect. People won’t be blindsided (which is a workplace
culture killer) by setbacks if they’re in the loop.
Partner with your people. As I said above, people’s careers are a big part of their
lives. That seems like a no-brainer, but leaders should have it front and
center at all times. Find out what your employees’ career goals are and then do
everything you can to help them reach them. Even if it means they will
eventually leave your organization. You will gain happy, productive employees
who will work with passion and commitment, and tout your company far and wide.
This an opportunity to brand your greatness.
Leadership is both an art and a
science. These tools are guidelines, not rigid rules. Everyone has to develop
his or her own individual leadership style. Make these tools a part of your
arsenal and use them well as you strive to reach people on an emotional level.
Be Human. This Matters.
http://www.forbes.com/sites/meghanbiro/2013/12/15/leadership-is-about-emotion
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