Leading anyone is crazy hard. The heart of the leaders dilemma is around a really simple truth. People perform at their best when they are confident, convicted, and clear about their aim. So, it only makes sense, the leaders job is to build the confidence, conviction, and clarity of those around them. AND, we know that another key to exceptional performance is honest feedback. The more timely the better. The best, of course, is from the work itself. For many of us in the world of work, the feedback our associates receive from the work itself is time delayed. For instance, when we make a presentation to a potential client we may not get honest feedback ever.
We simply, someday, find out they are not interested. Either that, or they can’t seem to find their phone.
As a leader, our job is to fill in that information void. Our job is to study film alongside our sales associate. Our job is to show them some better moves. Our job is to tell ’em the truth about why they are losing the sale. Oftentimes, this kinda honesty destroys confidence, leads to less conviction and is often interpreted in very unclear, biased ways. How does a leader build the team and deliver the “breakfast of champions,” feedback, at the same time?
At BTL, we suggest you begin by following our most bolted on principles for leading ourselves. Model the way, embrace pain and suffering, and aim at embodying truth in LOVE. Crazy hard, huh. This is why you gotta love your work and love your team to honestly author and live your OPUS. Your love for both will allow hard truths to seep into those few craniums around you who care as much or more than you do. Focus on those few, remember. Good. Go make your best do a bit more and go get a few more around them. Crazy hard, huh…
That’s why few are BTL. Are you?
BUILT TO LEAD 