I think we can easily argue that leadership is not a simple term. It holds several implications. However, we see it everywhere. Some examples are good, solid, and reliable. On the other hand, there are those that you would rather jump off a bridge than listen to one thing they have to say.
Leadership, regardless of level or position, is all about people. If you cannot tolerate people, then you likely should not be in leadership. Leadership requires compassion, understanding, and “good” listening. If you cannot listen to others, then you likely should not be in leadership.
However, that’s only the tip of the iceberg. By the way, forgive me if I misuse an expression or analogy. It is not my strongest skill. Did you know or think that even with compassion and understanding, you can still tell someone they are wrong or perhaps not fit for the job.
I was listening to Kristen Hadeed’s “Permission to Screw Up,” and I have to say, her honest account of your adventure left me laughing and truly happy to know I’m not the only one (You will see a review on her book soon.) However, one of the things that stood out to me was her inability to let someone go or tell them they are not meeting expectations. In fact, she talks about this in her book and shows how it affects her team members. My point is, sometimes a leader has to be the “bad guy.”
But, being a bad guy is not fun, particularly if you are invested in your people (as a leader should be). I’ve witnessed others in leadership try to address misconduct or misfit and fail miserably. In fact, the employee left the office thinking they were doing an amazing job by the end of the conversation.
On the other hand (if you haven’t yet noticed, there is always another hand), I witnessed a conversation where the employee departed disheartened, distraught, and demolished. Neither situation helped the organization. Neither situation was in the best interest of the team, and neither situation cared for the employee.
Is there one answer for any of this? Is there one way to approach every person who works for you to always end up with a positive end result. Honestly, if you believe so, please share your success. I argue there is not. And this is where our buzzword “Leadership” comes in. If you know your people, you know what they can handle and what they can digest. If you are a true leader, you can predict how your people will react to the news you are giving them.
People follow, not because they feel an obligation; they follow you because they want to. Something about you told them to trust you. Even in the direst of circumstances, they know they can turn to you as their leader.
So when you have to tell them something they will percieve as negative, they know that it is becasue you care. It is not an attack it is simply you being a leader and helping them to grow. Know your weaknesses and work on them. None of us are perfect. We all can improve……
