A leader I coach wants to spend less time running the business and more time leading.
I sent him two emails.
Hi Bob, (Not his real name.)
Here are the key points we came up with for your next meeting.
Focus on the way you want to show up. You know so much about the business. Your mind is filled with a million ideas. You can overwhelm people.
Next Time You Visit the Team
#1. Appreciate successes.
Say things like…
- I love what you’re doing with… (Be specific.)
- Your latest project turned out wonderfully. (Explain how.)
- Your work with a big box retailer is paying off… (Describe what you like.)
#2. Ask questions.
- What new initiatives are top of mind for you?
- What challenges are you facing?
- Where would you like feedback from me?
Say thank you. Take notes. Don’t solve everything. If you want to go deeper, ask, “What do you think we should do?”
#3. Give one message.
Leave the team with one memorable priority.
“Investing money in this sector is important. But we can invest lots of money and only move the needle a little. The quality of our product is what’s most important to me. We’re selling the best product in our country.”
Remember that bad is stronger than good. The impact of correction outweighs praise.
Get Out of Day-to-Day
The next day I sent this email.
Hi Bob,
You came to mind this morning. Here’s a thought: The way out of the day-to-day is mentoring and coaching.
It sounds like you spend most of your energy running the business. That’s not getting you where you want to go.
Don’t focus on doing the work. Enable others. Coach and mentor the people doing the work. That’s how you get where you want to go.
For what it’s worth,
Dan
This post is adapted from two emails I sent to a coaching client.
How can leaders do get out of day-to-day work?
10 Practices for the Leader as Coach – Leadership Freak
