The Leader on a Donkey
The leader’s high horse is a donkey.
You have a unique set of abilities, but not everyone is remarkable.
Very few managers are remarkably gifted. Assume you aren’t one. About one in 10 people possess the talent to manage. Companies get talent decisions wrong 82% of the time. (Gallup)
A Leader on a High Horse
- Fault for failure lies with others.
- Ownership by others is low.
- Talent in others is devalued.
Assume you have far to grow.
A Leader on a Donkey
Humility exceeds superiority.
- Talent in others is valued.
- Authority is distributed.
- Accountability flows up and down.
- Recognition widens.
- Respect is earned.
7 Ways to Get on Your Donkey
- Evaluate yourself by how well you develop and maximize talent in others.
- Eliminate perks.
- Push decision-making to people closest to the action.
- Ask, “What do you think?”
- Learn and leverage coaching skills.
- Seek feedback aggressively.
- Own your mistakes and share what you’re learning.
Boldness requires clarity and belief.
Be clear on your role. Believe in your team.
Getting off a high horse is challenging. What do you suggest?
I like this often attributed to Jeff Bezos. “Have strong opinions, held loosely.”
Be decisive and have a point of view, but also be open to changing when new data is presented.
While this may not happen ultimately, lead as if you were working yourself out of your position. Prepare the next leaders. Give away or share opportunities to shine and grow. And I very much agree with #3, Subsidiarity. Yes!
I love this! In biblical times arriving on a horse meant warfare and arriving on a donkey symbolized humility and peace. This falls right in with that thought process. Today I will lead on my donkey.