There are 2 sides to the leadership coin. Both sides involve people. The difference is which side of the coin you are on.
The individual deemed “the leader” has one responsibility: creating environments that influence others to achieve group goals. That is the classic definition of leadership according to Dale Carnegie. It’s concise and thoughtful.
Embracing and acting upon this definition is critical to the leader’s success.
The other side of the coin are the people who the leader relies on. Simply stated, people support a world they help create (Dale Carnegie). Reflect on the significance of that statement.
Which side of the coin is more important? Can you have one without the other? Based on my experience, it’s the people side that carries the biggest advantage. When people feel involved, they cheer you and the company on. They work doubly hard to improve your company, and they desire to contribute and improve themselves. People want to feel a part of something larger than themselves. That’s the fork in the road where people go the extra mile. As a leader, if you miss seeing the gifts and opportunities your people offer, you may just see the potholes.
While being a leader is complicated and there are a lot of moving pieces, it’s also exciting and rewarding. Influence is the key. What is the source of your influence? What lens do you look through daily, a negative or positive one? I’m not referring to a Pollyanna type lens when I say positive. Rather, a healthy mindful embodiment of you as a person (values, purpose, responsibility, knowledge, happiness, balanced state of mind, etc.) and how your actions impact people around you. Richard Flint wrote a great (and short) book called, “Behavior Never Lies.” I highly suggest this book for both rookie and experienced leaders. Behavior eats words for breakfast. Make it real, make it good, and make it memorable.
There is also a lot of talk about Quiet Quitting, the Great Reshuffle, and the Great Resignation. There is no shortage of worrisome forecasts about the current and future state of business. There’s a better alternative in terms of your thinking.
What about The Great Stay? Sure, there are real problems in the world, so get creative and start thinking about the 2 or 3 things you can do now to promote The Great Stay in your company. Fuel your tank using critical thinking and a positive mindset. Businesses are filled with smart, energized, and balanced people who will make things happen once they close the gap between the leaders and the people who support them.