Thousand Yard Stare

Someone recently told me I needed to ask this question of myself: "What is it like to work for me?"

I sighed.  I don't like that question.

I've been sitting on it for awhile, and have resolved not to make this post another leadership confession.  Rather, I think I'll share with you the questions that come to mind as I ask that question.

Influence happens through Authority, Relational Trust, and Expertise. Ask this: 

• In terms of authority, what is implied in my positional authority?  What expectations by those around me go along with the power given to me by those above me?  When it comes to tone, communication, accountability, resources, care, availability, and my track record, how am I leading to the measure of my authority?  Am I?
• With expertise, do I use what I know and know how to do as a resource for others, or as a crutch for my own self-worth/self-preservation/self-aggrandizement?
• Does relational trust become something I use to feel needed by others?  Conversely, do I use relational trust as a tool just to get people to do work?  

Let's ask again:  What is it like to work for me?

We have many resources as leaders.  Ask this:

• If you work for me, how do you feel about the tools we use to get the job done?   
• When people work for me, how do they feel about the systems we have in place?  Are they messy?  Unwieldy?  Laborious?  
• Is working for me an anxious experience because I don't have the right talent in the right spot?  Do I reward low performers and ignore high performers?  Do I have a leadership deficit in my team/organization?  What is the impact of that?

Reflect again with me:  "What is it like to work for me?"

Then make some changes.  What structures do you need in place to lead better and create a better team climate?  What support is going to create an environment for you and others to flourish?  What challenges are going to call you to higher expectations?

jd