Stink Like a Pile of Manure
Growing up I shoveled and wheeled cow manure in the winter. In the spring, I spread it on our fields. After a while you don’t notice the stink.
There’s one smell that always burns my nostrils. It’s the smell of leaders who show up thinking only of themselves.
You might be talented, charismatic, charming, and successful. But if you’re self-centered, people suffer because you stink.
You might stink if you…
- Bristle when someone disagrees.
- Can’t entertain alternatives to your ideas.
- Treat people like tools.
- Pretend to listen and push your own agenda.
- See faults in others and strengths in yourself.
- Think you work harder than anyone else.
- Expect admiration.
Think Before You Stink
What’s on your mind while you head to work? Problems? Deadlines? Getting something done?
Think about some good stuff on your way to work. Show up optimistic.
What about the great people on your team? What about the work that’s getting done? What about the people you rely on?
Stop focusing on your troubles. Turn toward people.
Leadership is about others.
Questions Servant-Leaders Ask Others
- What are your challenges?
- What’s energizing you today?
- What can I do for you?
- What do you think?
Self-centered leaders ask, “What can you do for me?” Servant leaders ask, “How can I bring out your best?”
Project
Before your next meeting, write three things you admire about every person attending. At the beginning of the meeting say, “I’ve been thinking about the things I admire about you.”
Express your admiration. Go around the room and say something like, “Mary, one thing I admire about you is your ability to face challenges calmly.”
You can’t cover the stink of selfishness with the perfume of success.
6 Reasons Egotistical Leaders are Exhausted – Leadership Freak
The Collateral Damage of Selfish Leadership Forbes
Good morning Dan, This post resonated with me. I work for leaders that laugh at the concept of servant leaders and do not care if their self-centered behavior hurts people. I’ve tried offering different perspectives, describing outcome impacts and de-emphasizing impacts on people, and even sharing your blog in the hope of planting seeds. Nothing seems to change behavior and their values. Ideas?
Good morning, Stephanie, You’re in a tough spot because values drive behaviors. Destructive values drive destructive behaviors.
I wonder if someday the pain of destructive decisions will open their eyes?
I have worked for narcissists, sociopaths, & managers that are only avoiding getting fired because someone hire up then them considers them a “project” to rehabilitate. I have rarely found any of these types of individuals to change. I admire this post but personally haven’t seen any of these types of people to care about changing.