Bad is easier than good.
Success is narrow; failure is an abyss. “All happy families are alike; each unhappy family is unhappy in its own way.” Tolstoy
Dysfunction is creative.
There are many ways to get leadership wrong. Lack of character is the worst.
Obnoxious leaders are often decisive and articulate. Certainty crowds out curiosity. Answers come fast. People feel rolled over.
Incompetent leaders believe progress depends on them. Their presence feels heavy.
Self-deceived leaders don’t notice others pulling back. They interpret quiet as confirmation of their brilliance.
Obnoxious leaders conclude the problem is the people.
More…
Credibility unlocks hearts.
Shadow work builds credibility quietly.
Character develops slowly.
Competence means you’re able.
Caring says you serve the interests of others.
Leaders who skip backstage work borrow credibility they haven’t earned. The debt comes due at the worst time. People shut them out.
Practices that supercharge credibility…
5 Ways to Redefine Meetings
Reject:
Bobblehead Assembly.
Empty Head Congress.
Megaphone Council.
Hostage Situation.
Zombie Graveyard.
5 New Definitions
A place where:
1. Team Intelligence Expands
2. Leaders Maximize Others
3. Monologues Are Banned
4. Diverse Perspectives Challenge Assumptions
5. Heads turn toward each other
Here’s how!
Take action before you’re competent. You act without ability when you learn to hit a baseball, for example.
The less you do, the less you’re able to do.
When effort drops, tolerance for effort fades.
The more you do, the more you can do.
You learn to lead by leading.
Here’s how…
Isolation is destructive security. Use the “Call Five People” rule to shatter your silo.
When You Lead in Isolation…
Perception narrows.
Judgment dulls.
Mistakes multiply.
Influence shrinks.
Doubt amplifies.
Ego solidifies.
Failure compounds.
Who should you call? What should you ask?
