Howling Monkeys Make Lousy Leaders
Howling isn’t leadership.
Talented people need clarity and space to act.
Seek to release, not control. Set guardrails. Trust the judgment of competent people.
Howling Monkeys
Verbosity creates stress. People tune out just to survive.
Root: Incompetence seeks control.
Remedy: Skillful leaders use quiet trust to release talent.
Seduction
It’s tempting to howl, “Get out there and get it done.”
Howling gives weak leaders the illusion of power. Power inspires compliance, not commitment.
Releasing
If you want people to bleed for you, bleed for them.
- “Pour in” if you expect people to “pour out.”
- Know what energizes people.
- Define success. Then step back.
Most engagement strategies are “more for less” in disguise. Don’t treat people like tools and expect them to act like owners.
A Challenge
Less noise gets more done.
Release is respect in action. Anchored in shared values. Fueled by trust.
How can you build a platform instead of a cage?
What’s one way leaders could howl less?
If Words Had Calories – Suggestions for Bloviators
Read: Beyond the Hammer
I’d say there are times where I’m guilty of this. It’s tough to find the balance between being a supportive leader and a “howling” controller. Releasing the need to do everything you are capable of is another tough one, it’s tempting to think my expertise is the best tool, but then I’m holding back the talent on my team. Leadership is about being able to release that talent rather than crowd it with my own voice. Building the culture to where others feel empowered to control their own outcome is the desired state. Your posts help me move toward that end result!
Thanks for your reflections, Lance. This statement is compelling to me…”Releasing the need to do everything you are capable of is another tough one…”
I am so eager to show how smart I am. It’s pretty hard to let others be smart when I’m working to be smarter.
Great post, Dan! Read the room, people’s energy, and listen more.
I’m sure you’re a fan of the 48 Laws of Power? I consumed the lengthy and engaging audiobook.
Yes, the 48 Laws is a classic. Here’s a link to the book.