Trust

ARE YOU A MESSY LEADER, If You Are, Just Fix It

/ Denis Baker / Leave a comment

A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.” This timeless quote by John C. Maxwell beautifully encapsulates the essence of leadership. But another facet of leadership isn’t often discussed: the transformative power of positive and encouraging leadership.

Let’s consider a situation that many of us can relate to. You’re at work, and you notice an employee on their phone. Your initial reaction might be reprimanding them, but what if the call is from a family member informing you of a loved one’s passing? This is a classic example of messy leadership. Was it the employee’s fault for being on their phone, or did the leader’s lack of communication lead to the situation?

Leadership isn’t always black and white. Every decision carries potential consequences, and not everyone will agree with your choices. Timing also plays a crucial role. Acting hastily could lead to pushback while delaying action could give the opposition time to grow.

To illustrate this, let’s revisit a personal anecdote. My wife and I were planning a trip to Europe for our anniversary. We were torn between Italy, Germany, Greece, Spain, and Scotland. I chose Scotland, believing it to be Europe’s most beautiful and calm place. However, I made a grave error: I didn’t check the validity of my passport.

As our departure date neared, my wife called to inform me that my passport was about to expire. I tried to assure her I would get a new one, but she was adamant that it wouldn’t arrive in time. The result was a canceled trip, and I lost the money I had paid upfront for the flights and hotel. The mistake was mine, and the consequences were severe.

This incident made me realize the importance of effective communication and attention to detail in leadership. These qualities apply not just in professional settings but also in personal relationships.

After this incident, I observed and evaluated leaders in action, particularly those who exhibited messy leadership. I identified six common characteristics of such leaders:

  1. Lack of credit for employees’ work
  2. Lack of trust in employees
  3. Overworking employees
  4. Blaming employees in disputes
  5. Micromanagement
  6. Focusing on employees’ weaknesses over their strengths

Each of these characteristics can lead to a toxic work environment and decreased productivity. By contrast, focusing on employees’ strengths can lead to a positive and productive work environment.

In conclusion, while leadership isn’t always straightforward, it’s crucial to avoid the pitfalls of messy leadership. By prioritizing communication, trust, and recognition, leaders can foster a positive and productive work environment. Remember, leadership is not just about giving orders; it’s about inspiring and encouraging others to reach their full potential.”

Some of you may be SHOCKED with this information. If so, then you are a MESSY leader. It’s ok, chill out. Because now you have the information and opportunity to become a SUCCESSFUL LEADER!

If you are struggling with this article, GET OVER IT! YESTERDAY ENDED LAST NIGHT; move forward, making sure you are a successful MESSY leader by ensuring you treat your employees in a very positive, influential way.

EVERYTHING RISES AND FALL ON YOU!

Denis is an Executive Director for the John Maxwell Group and is a certified leadership coach, trainer, keynote speaker, and DISC Behaviorial Consultant. Denis is a senior safety professional and a strong, passionate influential person. He is committed to teaching and communicating practical and relevant influencing techniques.  His unique, passionate, and emotionally driven style resonates with many, creating a desire to become an effective leader. 

You can contact Denis at dbaker@leaderinfluence.net for information on coaching, leadership, team and culture training, DISC Behavioral consulting, or to be an inspirational speaker at your next event.

WHAT WILL YOUR LEADERSHIP LOOK LIKE IN 2020

/ Denis Baker / Leave a comment

“Don’t Fool Yourself; LEADERSHIP IS HARD!”

In my effort to cultivate and grow my leadership, I find it challenging to stay the course and achieve what I read, witness, and teach. In fact, I often find myself telling people one thing and doing the exact opposite. Doing that can hurt those you lead, coach, mentor, or teach. If you don’t improve, you will ultimately lose respect, trust, and, eventually, the ability to influence. 

As 2020 approaches, I decided to evaluate my leadership abilities and identify those things I do well and those areas where I need to improve. The last four years have been a personal leadership challenge for me. I’ve had a job change that put me in a role with no direct reports and limited my decision-making authority. I’ve had to learn to lead differently. The term; “influence without authority” has become an actual reality challenge for me.

During my self-evaluation, I identified my top 5 strengths in leading others and having a strong influence on the decision making process.

1. I am a very HIGH ENERGY AND PASSIONATE leader in the areas I believe in.

2. I am willing to embrace CHANGE, even if I don’t entirely agree with it

3. I am PERSISTENT in my approach to achieving my desires, goals, and objectives

4. I am CONFIDENT in my decision making but open to ideas and suggestions

5. I am a strong ENGAGER of people

It is always good to identify your strong points, but it can be challenging to identify areas for improvement. The way I approached this was to reflect on 2019 and the many conversations, suggestions, and feedback I received throughout the year. I am always asking for feedback (although many times I don’t want to hear it or I have an excuse) 

Based on my evaluation and reflection, I will focus on building and improving the following five leadership traits in 2020. 

1. Being Clear in My Communication – I will work to enhance my communication approach through tone and word choices. Working to pull my feelings and frustration back and undoubtedly transfer my thoughts, ideas, and expectations. I will explain the “why” more often and ensure people are well informed. People want to be “in the know.” People want to deliver expectations, but can’t be successful if we don’t clearly and successfully communicate. They also want to know what the rewards are for good work and the consequences for sub-standard work.

2. Build Stronger Relationships – Relationships are critical to leadership. Strong relationships build trust and respect and offer the opportunity to influence. I will work to be present with my customers, leaders, and the workforce. I will reach out for general conversations and make sure I follow-up with the right people. I will work to show how much I care about all facets of the business. It is said, “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care!” They are looking for you to care for them and build a working relationship. I will work harder to learn and remember names and recognize that life is going on outside of work.

3. Humble Myself – I am am very confident in my role but must be better at leading with humility. I don’t know everything and always make the right decisions, but I will work diligently to illustrate my knowledge through the quality of my choices. I will recognize all persons, regardless of position, and work to realize that no one is any more important than anyone else. I will demonstrate this through my actions and interactions. I will let each know how important they are by involving them and getting their brains in the game.

4. Be a Stronger Encourager – I will continuously look for and recognize the great work people are doing. I will express my gratitude and exemplify the positive difference they are making. I will encourage them for their actions, the work they perform, and the value they add.

5. Have Courage – I understand creativity and innovation drive progress and performance. I will make bold decisions, push back when needed, but fully support the final decision. I will have difficult conversations when necessary, and I will do the difficult right things.

With a new year and new decade roll into place, I feel like it is the optimal time to increase my influence and achieve more than I ever have. I don’t know where most of you fall within your leadership needs (unless I know you). Still, I believe the results from my self-evaluation will encourage many of you to look within yourself, identify areas of improvement, and make the necessary changes to become a stronger influencer and more effective leader.

Trust, The Glue That Bonds Relationships

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“The best way to find out if you can trust somebody is to trust them.” ~Ernest Hemingway

According to Steven Covey, “Trust is the glue of life.  It’s the most essential ingredient in effective communication.  It’s the foundational principle that upholds all relationships”. Trust is crucial in the leadership process.  In fact, trust is required for effective leadership.  Trust can be described simply by comparing it to pocket change.  Every right decision puts change in your pocket.  Every poor decision takes change from your pocket.  The key is to increase your pocket change, rather than always paying it out.  Sure we all make mistakes. And each mistake cost us some coins from our pocket.  However, employees are tolerant of mistakes as long as we are transparent, quick to humility and strive to regain their confidence.

In his book, Leadership 101, John Maxwell shares three qualities a leader must exhibit to gain trust; competence, connection and character.  Violate any one of these three qualities, and you will lose the trust of those who follow.  Trust is doing what’s right because it’s right.  Mackey and Sisodia state in their book, Conscious Capitalism; “the right actions undertaken for the right reasons generally lead to good outcomes over time.”  I don’t think anyone can remain a leader if he or she continues to make poor decisions and break the trust of employees.  When we break trust, we damage the relationship. Relationships can be repaired, but with much work and effort.

In fact, a leader can’t be a leader if there is no trust because trust leads to influence.  If people don’t trust you, you can’t have influence.  Without influence, you can’t lead.

Build sincere relationships and out of your sincerity, will come trust. Only then will you be able to influence and achieve effective leadership.

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