Leadership: 2 things to do today to take your team to the next level
Not too long ago, I was in a coaching session with a client and left with a refreshing reminder of what it means to truly care about the people who help build the dream. This particular person was evaluating important next steps regarding personnel and we spent time discussing their desire to invite a part-time member of their team into a full-time role. While this might not sound special, after all, it is an ongoing part of running a business, it was his thoughtfulness toward the individual that really captured my attention.
First, he had a proper perspective of himself and the business. He knew what the company could offer the individual and what they could not (including how the part-time member might be better-served in their career if they were to accept a role elsewhere). He shared his limitations as a leader - he was aware of the ways he wasn’t able to invest in the person and how that might play out if the person accepted the full-time offer.
Second, he had a proper perspective of the part-time team member. He knew the person’s strengths and where he saw they needed to grow. He recognized what gaps would still exist within the organization should the person accept his offer. He also highlighted the ways they had positively contributed to the life of the business. And, he shared how he planned to help them take even greater steps forward should they accept the offer - he seemed genuinely excited about the opportunity to benefit his employee even more in the future.
I know many leaders who operate with a humble posture toward their people but on that day, in that coaching session, I was inspired by this leader’s approach. It struck me because I hear, and have witnessed, so many stories of leaders using people up to their last ounce of productivity while offering them very little in return, and then feeling slighted when they leave or burn out. I’m grateful for leaders who flip that script and consider how they can benefit their people.
I left the session that day feeling like, “I want to be more like [client]!!” Isn’t it fun when that happens? Let’s keep taking new ground through a posture of humility by doing the two things this client demonstrated so well:
1) Gaining/living with a proper perspective of ourselves, and …
2) Gaining/living with a proper perspective of others.
Here are a series of questions I like to ask myself as I practice the power of humility (you’re also welcome to read more here):
How am I doing in the area of humility?
What are my greatest hang-ups in viewing myself and others properly?
Where do those hang-ups come from?
What will I do about it now?
Could you or your team benefit from practical help in creating and maintaining healthy practices in leadership? Reach out to our team. We’re happy to see how we might come alongside you in the season ahead.