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Lee Iacocca, the legendary Chairman of Chrysler Motors once said, “I hire smart people and get out of their way.” I agree, and have seen it time and time again in my life as a people leader. It’s the notion that if you hire amazing people, and just get out of their way, they’ll do amazing things. But that does not mean that your job as a leader is done! In fact, it is just beginning.
Listening. Empathy. Consideration. Did I mention listening? Creativity. Oh, and listening. These things were critical. Leadership is the art of creating greatness in other people. Your job as a leader is to notice it and then help create the space for them to shine. Here I believe you can do that by simply remembering the letter "C".
Learn to Coach
To be clear, coaching isn’t the same as “here’s how I would have done it.” A lot of times what I hear others do isn’t coaching. They’re second-guessing. Or they’re highlighting why they wouldn’t have done it how someone else did it.
One of the aspects of coaching that I love the most is when I get to help someone think better. But that means I have to help them ask different questions to help them think about and see the situation in front of them differently. As you get better and better at teaching people to ask the right questions, you’ll see marked and serious growth from your team. A great way to learn to Coach is to have one of your own! If I can help and take my experience of almost three decades as a people leader and help you seek Clarity and Confidence in discerning direction and handling leadership circumstances in your personal or professional life – don’t hesitate to contact me
Learn to Celebrate
Now, to be honest, not everyone will love celebrations. I worked with a couple people who don’t celebrate much because they’re thrilled by the next challenge. So the moment one hill has been climbed, they’re off to the next one.
But some people, in order for them to shine, need the celebration that comes from a kind word, a pat on the back, and some external recognition. And the more you get in the habit of celebrating, the better you’ll connect with the kinds of folks that thrive off it.
Learn to Challenge
Pushing people to go further than they thought they could is something you see everyday in the gym. But we don’t always see it in a work environment. We get nervous. We don’t want to be pushy or look like we’re being mean.
But pushing someone to do more, go further, to level up, or to step their game up is positive, not negative. Can we all agree that it’s easier to stay comfortable? So our job as leaders is to let people enjoy that spot, but not for too long. Eventually you have to promote them or give them an assignment outside of their comfort zone and push them to step up to the next level for their own personal and career growth.
This month on our Podcast, and in my One to One Executive Coaching, I have been focussing on looking at the question of Leadership:
Episode 135 - Get Uncomfortable - So often it is our desire to "stay comfortable", which hampers our growth as a leader. Let's look at three strategies to overcome this, while staying true to our values. Check out this episode
Episode 134 - Partnership - "To build a leader you have to make them a partner." It was a statement told to me years ago. It shocked me, but it has continued to ring true over the decades. Let me share with you why in this episode
Episode 133 - Trust - One of the best investments you can make as a leader is to create a culture of empowerment, not control. That takes trust. Let's look at the five key elements that allow that to happen Check it out here
Episode 132 - Letting Go - As your business or organization grows, a good leader must know when to "lean in" and when to "let go". Let's look at three consequences of not letting go as a leader. Check it out here
At Phoenix Life Coaching Canada we work with individuals and teams helping them lead with confidence and grow in clarity. Find out more about how we can help you personally and professionally - reach out today
Remember - Great Leaders Don't Grow Alone
#Makeitso