Why Bad Leaders Focus on Perfection
May 25, 2022
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Most leaders act and think like they are falling short because they aren’t perfect. They couldn’t be more wrong.
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Most leaders act and think like they are falling short because they aren’t perfect. They couldn’t be more wrong.
It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out some people perform better than others. Not only do high-performing professionals produce better business outcomes, but they tend to be more engaged and help their team or organization be successful.
Everyone claims to be “so busy” these days. The truth is, we make time for what’s important to us. If you want to get in better shape, you make time for it. If you want to be a better golfer, you make time for it. The same is true in leadership.
A common piece of advice from executives trying to help less experienced managers is, “you have to delegate more.” While the suggestion of taking things off of your plate and putting them on someone else’s makes sense on the surface, the intention behind the ask makes the difference.
If you take nothing else from this column, I want you to take this:
When leaders delegate, it’s about them. When leaders empower, it’s about others.
Asking for help as a leader isn’t a weakness, it’s a strength. It demonstrates humility, vulnerablity, and trust in others.
The highest calling of a leader is to unleash the best in others
If you want to be a successful leader- the sort you were created to be, it requires looking at challenges as opportunities. Because the best leaders know challenges are opportunities wrapped in ugly wrapping paper.
Figuring out how to consistently seek help from others and learn from those around you isn’t easy.
There is no telling what the next few weeks, months, or years will have in store for Ukraine, Russia, and the world. However, the leadership lesson is clear:
A leader’s willingness to be on the front lines is inspiring and powerful because it moves people to action.
There are many skills leaders must develop and demonstrate to be effective over time. Research by LearnLoft indicates relationship building, coaching, accountability, and communication are in the top four. However, communicating is the one that ultimately causes success or failure.