I was asked recently what I think today's business leaders need to be doing
differently than 4-5 years ago, in consideration of the economic changes. I came up with a three-part model and used the
ever-popular sports analogy for my answer. Upon reflection, I decided to share
it out to the blogosphere in hopes that it is helpful for leaders at all levels
in terms of creating more personal and professional success for themselves and
others.
Part 1 of 3
Consider your favorite team-sport athletes with the most
long-running career success. Let's borrow the strategy & apply these
concepts to create long-running success in business:
1. They go to work on themself.
Athletes with the longest career success show us how to work on oneself and
take responsibility for their own performance. They work on their own self (for long
hours, practicing, repeating, and seeking ways to do better, better, better...) to build skills and lay a strong foundation for winning performance.
Plus, even when experiencing consistent wins, they continue to work on their own
performance.
They also understand what they can and cannot control. I have come to
realize there is a lot going on in this world that I cannot control (finally!).
When I remember that I am only in charge of what happens inside the frame of
my own body, including my mind of course, and that I am 100% responsible for
everything going on within that frame, I am much more effective, calm,
responsive, and frankly, happy. Generally speaking, athletes understand this
far better than business professionals (who often fall prey to "blame game"
office conditioning).
In terms of knowing what to control, leaders must buy into and apply fully the concept
of Personal Leadership. In other
words, that of being 100% responsible for their own personal effectiveness now
and consistent efforts at improving it into the future. Significantly enhanced
effectiveness is a key result of accepting Personal Leadership.
Unfortunately,
the traditional model of management used in most corporate environments today
borrows heavily from "Motivation 2.0" as Daniel H. Pink discusses in his book
Drive. The downside of this norm is that it way over-values face-time
in the office due to a lack of trust of employees. Managers are
basically saying "I have to see you toiling while you are physically in the
office, or I assume you are not doing anything." This has created a culture that
essentially rewards the idea of "I don't care what you're doing as long as you
look busy" because the the emphasis is on the daily physical behaviors instead of
the results. Bzzzzzz; this is the wrong answer!
Taking action that
makes a difference (helps win the game) is far more valuable than looking busy.
Not only does it significantly impact the bottom line, but it enhances personal
satisfaction. As leaders, go to work on yourself consistently, and
encourage everyone around you to do the same. Be responsible for your own
actions, your failures, and your successes; be ultimately responsible for your
own effectiveness and results.
Part 2