Leadership: If you hit me, you better be invisible

There is so much talk about Leadership: what it is, what it looks like, what’s good, what’s bad, what’s annoying, what’s inspiring, what’s this all about?  There are books (yet unless they contain many pictures, I usually cannot get through them), articles, blogs, random thoughts, 140 characters and quotes galore on leadership. Clearly, a popular topic…and with such numerous resources, you’d think we’d have top leaders, at all levels, in all companies.

So, as I prepare to watch the Superbowl, without the benefit of having the Detroit Lions on the field, I shall share a few thoughts of my own.  A list, however incomplete, that I’d like you to add to, challenge (but realize that I’m still correct) and reflect upon.

6 Leadership Characteristics/Traits/And things I don’t know how to categorize:

1. Integrity.  Do the right thing because it’s the right thing to do.  Seems like child’s play because it’s so obvious. But how many of us have pondered the scandalous actions of some “big banks” or what’s happening on “Main Street”?  Personally, I’ve never lived on Main Street, and I wish for just once, the media would focus on MY street.  Just sayin’.  Some leaders are so concerned with the bottom line, or the lining of their pocket, that integrity becomes an idea rather than an action.

2. Enthusiasm. Now, don’t get me wrong…I don’t want you to mistake enthusiasm for results.  I’m the first to get excited when I purchase a new pair of jogging shoes, or download some sure-fire motivational music to get my feet moving…but it’s an entirely different story when I’m actually getting ready for that enthusiasm to turn into behavior thus leading to results.  As I’ve said before, I’m most motivated to run if someone’s chasing me…and even then, it’s a toss up.

3. Value Your Team. Get over your big bad self!  I know, you’re great, your office is the biggest and you clearly have the coolest car.  But really.  Do you value those who work for you, with you, beside you?  Let me know you value me; tell me how I contribute to the team; demonstrate that you take my ideas seriously (even if they’ve been suggested before, by someone years ago, my ideas just might work today.  And if they don’t…thank you for taking me seriously: I’ll keep thinking of new ways to improve our team). Let me know you can SEE me!

4. Coach Me. Understand the difference between managing and coaching.  For example, managing is telling. Coaching is empowering by asking questions.  Now you also need to know when it might be more effective to manage me rather than  coach me.  For example, if I’m a new employee, and I ask you, “Where are the restrooms?”…this is NOT the time to coach: “Where do you think they are?” Just tell me before it’s too late!

5. Create a Team. Let’s be honest here…not everyone on our team will always get along, but a leader can help by creating an atmosphere of professionalism and mutual respect for each others’ talents.  And if you have someone insistent on sabotaging others…take a stand and coach them up or coach them out.  I personally prefer a shock collar for every saboteur, but we’ve got HR to think about…

6. Have Fun. There are parts of every job that people don’t like. I tend to call that “reality”.  A leader must create opportunities to celebrate, set the tone and inspire others.  Working for a boss that says, “Thank God it’s Friday” is the equivalent of working for a boss that’s telling me, “Thank God I have only 8 more hours with YOU.”  Ah, feel the love.

So there you have it.  6 more ideas to add to your leadership encyclopedia.  Yes, there are many more…but start somewhere, and build from that point.  Anyone in a leadership position should consider it an honor, and treat their position with humility, gratitude and respect.