Week Six of Six
Insight:
This is the paragraph that grabbed my attention and made me want to pull it apart to share with you in a series.
“Come Alongside of Them
Let them see your heart before they see your hope. People don’t care how much you see until they see how much you care. I emphasize again: People buy into the leader before they buy into that leader’s vision. Cultivate trust. Be transparent and patient. Start where they are by seeing through their eyes. Seek to find their hopes and dreams. Begin building a bridge between the vision of the organization and their personal goals. Done correctly, both can be accomplished. Go for the win-win. Remember, when you help people get what they want, they will help you get what you want. This can only be accomplished by building strong relationships.”
from Develop the Leader Within You by John C. Maxwell
Coaching:
For the last five weeks, I’ve asked you to think about the people who have made a difference in your world. I’ve encouraged you to think about what you can do that would make a difference in others’ lives.
We all know that good things can be accomplished when people trust each other. Creativity and possibilities can flow well beyond the norm when relationships are healthy and strong. Being a better leader is something you do with others. You don’t do it alone.
More personalized, caring, and trusting relationships are key.
Walking alongside the people you work with is comfortable when they trust that you genuinely care about them. But trust and strong relationships don’t develop overnight. It takes patience, transparency, consistency. It requires caring about individuals and cultivating their talent.
Action:
What is something you can do today that conveys the spirit of this series?
How can you express your trust in someone?
What is something you can do to let them see you care not just about the team but also each team member?
How can you be more transparent with your team about your vision and values?
How can you create a more patient and allowing environment while still meeting goals and deadlines?
How can empathy with others produce more dynamic results?
Begin with one of your people. Ask them questions in this series to get to know them better and for them to get to know you better. Get them thinking about what it means for them to come alongside others.
Ask people to help you understand the reality of the level of trust in your organization. Ask for examples of where it’s good and what makes it good. Ask where it needs shoring up and why.
Write a note to yourself about what you think you do well as a leader and what are your stumbling blocks. Who might help you see yourself as others see you? Who might you approach who would be open-minded, candid and caring who you could talk with about this and learn more about yourself as a leader?
There’s a lot here, but unpacking the content in Elevated Leadership: The I.C.A. Series with your people will develop more vibrant, honest and engaged relationships.
Cultivating these relationships will unlock potential for you, them, and your organization that you have only dreamed about. Try it. See what happens.
My goal is to help you elevate the leader within you. The best leaders are continuous learners. I hope this series has given you opportunity to pause and reflect on what has worked for you and moves you into action. If you’d like to talk about any of it, I would love to hear from you.
