Ever been accused of having a take-no-prisoners leadership style?
A “get it done at all costs” approach that sometimes leaves bodies strewn in your path, in the name of delivering as promised?
Lead or be led? Have a plan or become part of someone else’s?
How you deliver results is equally as important as the results themselves. Perhaps even more if you’re thinking longer term.
Here’s a sobering insight from a guy who’s learned it the hard way (the way I learn everything): It doesn’t take talent to get a project done if the collateral damage with colleagues is palpable. Anyone with bravado can steamroll over people to get something done. That’s not talent; that’s being a bully.
Easier said than done, I know. Not everyone gets the vision like you do. Many don’t have the same career aspirations. Some are just plain lazy. Others like to take direction and actually prefer for you to manage their steps, then complain about it. These are real-life career frustrations that high-performing leaders experience.
The moment of truth comes when you deliberately choose to exercise the maturity and wisdom to deliver a result and also leave the team members in even better condition than when they started. They are lifted up by their collaboration with you, encouraged, and even more self-confident about their own skills.
Dr. Stephen R. Covey, in his seminal book The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, defined effectiveness as getting the results we want now, in a way that enables us to get even greater results in the future.
Maybe consider asking your team members how the last project you led went and were there any insights they might offer on your style, that if stopped, changed, or improved, might build trust, confidence, and engagement in future endeavors.
Sometimes you have to power through to deliver. Perhaps be more mindful of the collateral damage. If your troops perish in the crossfire, they won’t be there to rescue you if captured.
Learn more about the timeless principles in The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by registering for a complimentary webcast.
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