“Bossing” thrives on closed doors. But our hearts long for partnership.
Vitality burns hot when bridging distance.
Partnership is sustainable leadership.
5 Principles of Partnership:
- Partners pull together. Bosses stand aloof. Think with, not over.
- Partners receive and give value. Bosses take. Keep score loosely. Give more than you track.
- Partners act collaboratively. Woven lives bear more weight than single threads. Contribute, benefit, and take responsibility together.
- Partners fail together. Response to people’s failure reveals the depth of partnerships. Bosses exile failures.
- Partners fuel trajectory. Small wins energize commitment.
Take care of each other to enhance your ability to serve others.
Show Up Like a Partner
High status people move first. Don’t wait for people to partner with you. Partner with them.
Get on their team before asking them to get on yours.
Ask 5 Alignment Questions
- What are your big goals?
- How might we help each other?
- How will we find and follow fulfillment in our work?
- What stands in the way?
- Who might help?
Partners share work, risk, and reward.
What shifts in your thinking when you approach leadership like a partner?
What are the risks of turning from boss to partner?
How to Build Relationships with the Right People
Make Your Partner Look Good: A Leadership Strategy That Works
