Frantic leaders manage too much and lead too little. Doing it all only works on TV commercials and in the movies.
Engage in fewer activities – behaviors that matter most.
You must know what matters, before you can do it.
The 5 ultimate responsibilities of leadership:
#1. Define and focus on what matters now.
The delivery of value requires the elimination of irrelevant behaviors and low-value activities. Distraction is more than a nuisance. It’s a subtle enemy that crushes organizations.
Never dance with distraction – defeat it with merciless focus.
#2. Develop and maximize talent through coaching.
The real product of leadership is achievement through fulfilled people.
Coaching enables ownership, fulfillment, energy, and learning for teammates with aspirations to grow.
Coaching-leaders get out of the way, while staying connected.
#3. Get out of the way while staying connected.
- Connect with the people who are getting the best results.
- Connect with under-utilized people who aspire to add more value.
- Avoid getting sucked into urgent trivialities. Quickly delegate easily solved issues.
- Help others improve their own work. Don’t tweak.
- Honor behaviors that align with organizational values.
- Walk around.
- Say thank you everywhere you go.
#4. Smooth the path to achievement.
Successful leaders minimize the resources and energy it takes to run organizations while maximizing positive outcomes.
- Eliminate duplication of effort.
- Minimize paper-work.
- Create systems and structures that strengthen team camaraderie.
Make hard work as effective and efficient as possible. First, do what matters most. Second, improve the way you do it.
#5. Lift people out of the weeds.
Busy people always end up lost in the weeds.
- Connect team members with other insiders and outsiders.
- Explain the big picture.
- Narrow scope.
- Focus on solutions.
- Ask, “What matters now?”
Bonus: Deal with tough issues others avoid. Others are waiting for you to call-out the elephant in the room.
What are the ultimate responsibilities of leadership?
How do leaders best fulfill their responsibilities?