A young woman taught me a leadership lesson this morning. We were discussing how to integrate a new person into a project.
My approach:
My approach was to explain the project, and develop a plan with the new person. We already have buy-in. I wanted to help the new person succeed by diving into the nuts and bolts.
Her approach:
I looked across the table and asked Nicole (a 30-something), “What would you say to this new young person?”
She replied, “I’d say, ‘I want this to be an awesome experience for you.’”
One sentence changed everything. I knew I had adopted a project-approach to dealing with people. But, leadership is about people.
When projects come first, people become tools.
10 ways to prioritize people:
- Admit that a bias toward action causes leaders to neglect the human side of leadership.
- Work toward awesome experiences for new team mates. Why would you choose anything less?
- Ask, “What will make this an awesome experience for you?”
- Explore the nuts and bolts of a project, only after you understand a person’s aspirations and passions.
- Commit to the best interests of others, as they serve the best interests of your organization.
- Trust people to step up. Give them a chance to prove you right.
- Provide abundant feedback.
- Give opportunities for reflection. “What are you learning?”
- Share your enthusiasm for their growth and fulfillment.
- Provide mentors and coaches.
How might leaders maintain a people-focus while delivering great results?