My pal Jack Welch
29/10/07 12:49
I have been spending a great deal of time thinking about leadership and what it means to me and hopefully my future, particularly in how I will begin my next paid position of leadership.
So I wrote to Jack and Suzy Welch at Businessweek one bleary eyed morning. I wondered what they think is most important about how to enter into a company's culture in a position of leadership. I was pleasantly surprised when they wrote back, in Business Week (read it). Not only did my new pals Jack and Suzy give a world class answer, they gave a bonus by slamming George Bush as a leader.
So what does their answer mean to me? What does it change? Well, it did three things, it put me in conversation with some of the brightest business stars in the sky which always provides valuable information. Second, and most importantly, it made me feel like I belong in that conversation. It validated that line of questioning for me. Finally, they asked me to define what I believe as a leader. I have done so below.
1. Leadership happens everywhere.
I recently listened to John C. Maxwell's 360 Leadership series. One of those "business leadership" books. Have to say it was great. Maxwell helped me to see that leadership happens at every point in your life not just when you get to the top. If you don't have anyone to lead, lead yourself.
2. Let others lead until they need help. Sometimes even then.
Helping people to grow will only make them love you more. It will also make you love them. Growth through hardship will always help you develop stronger bonds than anything else. Letting you and your team understand that "its ok to fail at this" will help them take better risks. Not to say driving the project cliffside is the best way to drive all the time but a little less fear always loosens people up to perform in new ways.
3. Leadership is an honor.
Treat those who are willing to follow you with all the respect you can muster. Particularly when they are sharing their ideas and interests. Feel fortunate anyone would bother to listen to you much less be inspired by you.
4. Requiring performances that are nothing less than inspired.
Letting people know what is expected and why is critical to this happening. Telling your team members in ways that are meaningful to each individual that you know they can perform fantastic feats may just result in them.
5. Leaders succeed when their team wins.
When your team is successfully able to do things without you not only is your job easier but your resources just got bigger. It is positive sum growth.