The work world is full of people who’ve learned to be “helpless.” They do not see it, at least not early on. AND, they especially don’t like it when I tell them their neighborhood has a name…
VICTIMHOOD.
If you find yourself working for an overly controlling CEO and experience anxiety around the thought of telling him or her the unvarnished truth, here’s a few PA’s (productive actions) that will help. Follow this recipe forever. It’s simple, not easy. Sound familiar?
1. Tell your leader exactly what you want. I suggest a minimum of your big three wants and no more than five. Put it in writing.
2. Ask your leader exactly what she wants from you. Have her put it in writing too.
3. Steps one and two will bubble up conflict. Talk about why each “want” is important to performance. Make sure each of you walk out understanding why your wants are critical to your performance. Fight to improve performance – not to prove your point. Period.
4. Allow your leader to influence you as long as you “believe” her want will improve performance. Do NOT just concede because of their position. The minute you start down that slippery slope, you will find getting back to level ground nearly impossible. Stand for performance. Stand up when right. Stand down too. Find the highway, yours and theirs. Be coachable. Do not let your pride come before a fall.
5. Catch your leader doing something right and tell him/her. Do not make the mistake of only seeing them as THE man. When we see the leader this way we want to stick it to them. See them as the HUman. If they truly are humane, they will more than return the volley. Remember, sucks to lead anything!
6. If the leader does not reciprocate. ACT. Do not continue to allow your leader to “power over” you and control you to suit their fancy, to do what they won’t, or for any reason beyond improving performance. Any leader that demands action that makes no sense, violates your CORE, and doesn’t build sustainable performance, does not deserve your time. Don’t sell out or settle out of fear.
Just LEAVE.
Remember, when someone stops believing, someone will soon be leaving.
This is managing your manger 101. All it takes is a strong CORE. You got one?
Live hard. Love ❤️ harder…
BUILT TO LEAD 