1. Leadership on Fire Connect
‘What good is it to have a belly if there's no fire in it? Wake up, drink your passion, light a match and get to work.” Simon Sinek
Years ago, when conducting a phone interview for a position on my team, I asked the candidate to tell me about their favorite boss. After she talked about her favorite boss, she emphatically said “I would walk through fire for him! I really would!” (He had retired). I felt her flame of passion burst through the handset. After we said goodbye, I stared at the phone and thought, “Wonder what it takes to be that kind of a leader? Wait! I want to BE that kind of leader.”
I set out on a quest to learn how to be a leader that creates the fire of passion and fierce loyalty in the team such that they would be willing to walk through fire. I learned there are three powerful C’s to being THAT kind of leader: Connect, Conduct, Congratulate. It works.
Connect
A leader must connect with the team, let the team know they are important, and connect the team to the vision and to each other.
Start at the end Answer the question, “What do we want to accomplish?”
Strike out “I need you to....” Replace with “You need to…” Important: tell them Why “So that...” then say the benefit.
Understand each other Team synergy comes from understanding each other. Teamwork takes work, and it’s worth it.
Conduct
A leader must conduct the team (think orchestra) so they operate at their peak, whether it is completing a project, processing work, or creating something new.
FOCUS: Follow One Commitment Until Success* Show how to know you are on track.
Try-Storm Take action. Don’t wait for perfection. Learn from your actions.
R2A2 Clear roles, responsibilities, accountabilities, and authority helps the team be more productive.
Celebrate
A leader must celebrate the team’s achievements, mentor and challenge the team, and promote an (appropriately) fun environment.
Appreciate the team Appreciation has an expiration date. According to Gallup press, a leader must show appreciation and praise (authentically) at least every 7 days.
Share your knowledge. Mentor formally or informally. Help others.
Make it fun Goofy prizes. Celebrations. Lunches together. Activities.
* Variation of “Follow One Course Until Success,” (author unknown). “Follow One Commitment Until Success” is a spinoff by Christina Gillick.
© 2019 TK. O’Geary, TKO Performance Group