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Superman Doesn't Belong In The Office
Managers and supervisors often get caught up in a game of being right, and if not right, acting as if they are right anyway. This is the superman syndrome.
The irony is that team members at work know their leaders aren't seven-foot-tall and bullet proof. The managers' attempts to create the illusion of perfection only distracts from whatever credibility was there in the first place.
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TOP SHELF TIP NO. 25
"Nurture your mind with great thoughts; to believe in the heroic makes heroes."
Benjamin Disraeli, British statesman, former Prime Minister and literary figure, 1804-1881 | |
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Leaders shed their superman cape when they exhibit authenticity. The illusion of perfection fades away, and in its place are the images of leaders who are aware of the true human condition -- flawed and vulnerable, but ready to learn lessons and move on. These are the kinds of leaders most salespeople want to follow, those who are real, and authentic.
Yesterday and today, Promotional Consultant Today reviews tips to help you become a more genuine leader.
State Conclusions Tentatively
After gathering information and processing that data, it would seem natural for leaders to blurt out the answers and give commands.
However, leaders who trust the opinions of their team should use a different delivery strategy. Stating conclusions tentatively means leaving a door open for other unknown facts or opinions to find the light of day. If leaders overstate a position it leaves no room for other positions except through confrontation. Thus, credibility is enhanced by openness to feedback from others.
Admit Not Knowing The Answers
Since no one has all the answers or all the information, admitting that you don't know an answer does not make you incompetent. However, making up incorrect answers just to appear smart will most often backfire.
Wise leaders are eager to seek out information through their many resources. Being resourceful are signs of competent leaders. Knowing how and where to get answers is more valuable and beneficial for the organization.
"I don't have that answer yet, but I know where to go looking for it" is an important phrase for leaders to demonstrate and the team to learn.
Apologize For Mistakes Or Poor Judgments
Have you ever noticed the look of relief -- and maybe surprise -- on a child's face when an adult apologizes for a mistake or for showing poor judgment? A sales team may have the same surprised reaction at first if the same thing happens. But once they see their leaders take responsibility for their decisions -- especially if it includes apologies -- credibility soars.
It takes strength and courage to admit mistakes to peers and followers, but the end result is stronger relationships.
Source: David Benzel is an author and specialist in leadership and creating peak performance. As the founder of Winning Ways, he has worked with organizations including Allstate Insurance, Sprint/Nextel and The Villages. His experience includes six national water-skiing titles and five records, coach of the U.S. Water-Ski team and founder/coach of an international training center. He is the author of the upcoming, Chump to Champ: How to be Truly Outstanding at Something You Love. Click here to contact Benzel.
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Copyright 2005-2007 Promotional Consultant Today. All Rights Reserved. |
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