It is sad to see how leaders suffer under the weight of being questioned, challenged, and occasionally held accountable. It is our duty to protect bosses from all discomfort.
Office politics (in many organizations) is the art of protecting leaders from the real world.
Here’s how to use office politics to protect the boss.
If you don’t have friends at work, you feel alone for half your life. But close relationships with direct reports feel awkward.
Be friendly. But you aren’t equals. Pretending otherwise leads to confusion and resentment.
Power distorts connection.
Show me your friends and I’ll show you your future.
Robert Frost was condemning fences when he wrote Mending Wall.
The most famous line in the poem reads, “Good fences make good neighbors.” But Frost didn’t say those words, his ignorant neighbor did.
The first line of the poem reads: “Something there is that doesn’t love a wall.”
Not Fences…
Don’t care for people, admire them. Admiration is specific. It energizes, affirms, and elevates people.
Leaders who admire others unlock deeper influence and stronger connections. Discover 10 things admiration achieves that caring alone can’t.
The next time someone sits across from you, say, “One thing I admire about you is…”
I felt rushed most of my life. I blame it on pressure to get stuff done. Procrastination feeds pressure. People-pleasing makes it worse. Fear of failure is a destructive taskmaster.
I’ve learned that life begins in unrushed moments.
Speed is good. Hurry is bad. John Wooden said, “Be quick, but don’t hurry.”
Most things people want from leaders benefit everyone.
Get out of leadership if you don’t care what people want from you. Leadership is about people. Learn to adapt to people, but don’t lose yourself.
Balance responsiveness with conviction.
Here are 7 things people want from leaders.
