Grow Your Leadership Heart Three Sizes
“And what happened, then? Well, in Whoville they say – that the Grinch’s small heart grew three sizes that day.” Dr. Suess
What would happen if your heart grew three sizes?
3 Things Small Hearted Leaders Say:
#1. “Double it.”
Demand results in half the time it would normally take with twice the resources. Push people to figure things out on their own.
#2. “Do it my way.”
Shoot down every new idea. Grumble, “That’s not how we do things here.” Stifle innovation and growth.
#3. “No fun.”
Sad leaders hate happiness in others. “So whatever the reason, his heart or his shoes, he stood outside his cave, hating the Whos.” Dr. Suess
A leader with a small heart works when others celebrate.
Say, “We’re here to work, not celebrate.” Forget milestones like years of service. Eliminate workplace traditions like casual Fridays or pizza parties. Shout, “Productivity is painful.”
Small hearted leaders ignore achievements. Say, “You’re just doing your job,” instead of showing gratitude.
Grow a Leadership Heart:
Leading with heart begins with a bigger way of seeing – a courageous way. The Grinch’s breakthrough happened like a bolt of lightning when he realized there was more to joy than presents.
Worry less about feelings and more about actions. William James said, “we should pay primary attention to what we do and express, and not to care too much for what we feel…” (Library of Congress)
Hearts grow when perspective changes. For example, the more you need to get done, the more you need to care for people.
If you want to grow a leadership heart do what leaders with heart do.
What do big hearted leaders think, say, or do?
Over and over when asked about “effective leadership secrets” my answer is – I care.
In my my thirties I might have offered a more ego centric answer.. time has added transparency and perspective.
Of all the things leaders could say about themselves, “I care,” must top the list. Thanks for the encouragement, Ken.
Your post reminds me of the book, The Leadership Challenge by James Kouzes and Barry Posner. Their model outlines five key practices for effective leadership. One practice is “Encourage the Heart: Recognize and celebrate contributions.”
Leaders help people feel more optimistic, more hopeful, more energized, and more confident to pursue bigger goals and ideals.
I agree with Ken–they “care” about each person in their organization.
Glad you mentioned “The Leadership Challenge.” When people ask for book recommendations, I ask if they have read it, if not, I recommend it.
For anyone interested, here’s a link, https://amzn.to/4guj1pj
The same echo as Ken. Sometimes, even good leaders have to deliver hard realities, and be the bad guy (in a good way); “I see you and I want to know how this makes you feel?” Let them talk about it.
Merry Christmas, Dan – wishing you a healthy and prosperous New Year!
Timely one about Leadership & Celebration.. Thanks Dan.