Indecisive leaders drive people crazy. “My boss won’t make a decision!” But, unpopular decisions have negative backlash. “The boss doesn’t care what I think.”
It’s “Solution Saturday,” Richard suggest we discuss:
“Doing unpopular things and being even more respected for it.”
It doesn’t matter what you do or say, if people don’t respect you. Being liked is nice; being respected essential.
Unpopular and respected:
The way you make unpopular decisions is as important as the decisions themselves. I can respect you, even if I don’t like you.
Respect is about character and relationship, not decisions.
Humility:
- Adopt a relaxed, gentle, welcoming demeanor. Breathe deep. Smile. Gentle eye-contact.
- Be a learn-it-all, not a know-it-all.
- Lower the volume and soften the tone of your voice.
- Reject the trappings of position and authority. When you pull rank, they close down.
- Include others as early and often as possible.
The deeper issue leaders face is building relationships before unpopular decisions are made.
Transparency:
- Share information prolifically. Secrets lead to fear and manipulation.
- When you can’t share information, explain why.
- Answer public concerns quickly, directly, and publicly.
Vulnerability:
- Apologize when you exclude or walk on others. Don’t say, “I didn’t mean to.”
- Confess mistakes. Doing your best is not an excuse. We already know you’re doing your best. Try:
- I’m sorry.
- I screwed up.
- I apologize.
- I was wrong. Please forgive me. (This option is for the truly courageous.)
- Commit to what’s best for the organization, even if it hurts.
5 suggestions:
- Confront the brutal facts with kindness. Pretending invites disrespect.
- Reflect on past performance. Avoid behaviors that didn’t work.
- Adopt behaviors that worked in the past.
- Pursue outside perspectives. You get more of the same, if you do more of the same.
- Diffuse resistance:
- Maintain openness regarding methods.
- Open up, rather than pushing back.
- Walk while talking.
- Breathe.
- Ask questions.
- Accept how people feel.
How might leaders be even more respected while doing unpopular things?
***
Richard left his topic on Facebook. Leave your suggested topics for next “Solution Saturday” next Friday. I’m sending Richard a Leadership Freak coffee cup because we used his topic for “Solution Saturday.”