Monthly Archives: May 2011

What Followers Want from Leaders

We’re going to switch perspectives today, and look at leadership from the followers point of view. The Gallup organization has been studying leadership for decades. In 2005 – 2006, they conducted a study of 10,000 US adults, asking them to think of and then describe a leader who has a positive influence in their daily life. The results were dramatic. Four themes emerged as the words that best described the everyday leaders in their lives.

Food for Thought ~

The four themes (and most frequently used other words) were:

  • TRUST (honesty, integrity, respect)
  • COMPASSION (caring, friendship, happiness, love)
  • STABILITY (security, strength, support, peace)
  • HOPE (direction, faith, guidance)

Question of the day ~

As a leader, which of these words do you think your followers would use to describe you?

Memorial Day is an opportune time to reflect on what we want from all the leaders in our lives.

Sharing Information – Part III

Ask Mary ~

People at my office are talking about the lack of information coming from their managers. Where does a manager draw the line on what information to share and when? Our managers seem “too busy” to share information that will help staff function at their best.

Answer ~

Stewart Fox, a veteran school administrator and leader, offered these insightful comments:

“I have read with interest your last two posts. I think the best work on how information works in an organization has been done by Margaret Wheatley. I love her analogy about information being the energy that fuels an organization and withholding it inappropriately saps everyone’s energy. I come down heavily on the side of everything on the table. I do realize that some information must be used carefully, but I think too many leaders go overboard and are too secretive.”

Organizations where the leaders have the confidence and the skill to generously share information with employees are becoming the preferred “employers of choice,” especially for Gen X and Millennials. Being overly guarded breeds distrust. Keep the energy flowing with information.

Food for Thought ~

As a leader, how comfortable are you sharing information with your employees? Do your managers/supervisors have the necessary skills to communicate effectively? If not, what can you do to improve the situation?

Remember ~ information is neutral. It’s what we do with it, how we interpret it, and the value we place on it that gives it meaning.

Sharing Information – Part II

Ask Mary ~

People at my office are talking a lot about the lack of information coming from their managers. Where does a manager/leader draw the line on what information to share and when? Our managers seem to be “too busy” to share information that will help their staff function at their best.

Answer ~

Indeed, one of the roles of a leader is to provide the information staff need to do their jobs. This week let’s look at the other side of the coin, because employees have a responsibility as well. If the information you need isn’t coming to you in a useful and timely manner, then determine the appropriate time, place and person to speak to about it. Managers and leaders usually have a very full workload, and may not realize or understand what you need, so don’t presume it’s a lack of caring or consideration. Give your manager/leader the benefit of the doubt and make a respectful request. Remember, too, there’s a difference between needing and wanting information. It’s a fact of organizational life that some information will not be shared with everyone. Prepare to present your request by doing your homework to explain the situation, the use and value of the information you need. Then help develop a systematic plan for information-sharing that works for all parties concerned.

Food for Thought ~

“Tell me and I’ll forget. Show me and I’ll remember. Involve me and I’ll understand.”
Native American Proverb

Sharing Information – Part I

Ask Mary ~

People at my office are talking a lot about the lack of information coming from their managers. Where does a manager/leader draw the line on what information to share and when? Our managers seem to be “too busy” to share information that will help their staff function at their best.

Answer ~

Yes, it is the job of leaders/managers to provide the information their staff need to do their jobs. One of the definitions of management is “accomplishing objectives and goals by coordinating, supervising and directing the work of others.” Thus, making time for communication is inherent in the leader’s role. Establishing information systems and networks and disseminating information efficiently and effectively are essential management functions. However, there are always situations and issues that require judgment as to timing and level of detail. The fact that employees are grumbling about this may be an indication that opening up the information flow would be a good idea. Or it may be a yellow flag that other issues need attention. Building the overall trust level would help employees have confidence in the judgment of their leaders/managers and better accept the times when they may not have all the information they desire.

Food for Thought ~

“Employees are looking for work that gives their life meaning. They are searching out organizations whose values and vision are in alignment with their own; whose leaders empower rather than exploit; and where they will feel a sense of community and ownership.”
Richard Barrett

Teachership

Today is National Teacher Day. Although no doubt intended to honor teachers in our school systems, I want to expand that to honor leaders who are teachers, ergo my made-up word, “teachership.” It is my conviction that good leaders are also teachers. They share information, support learning, encourage their students, and see to it that the business/organization itself grows and develops. We frequently hear people say “It’s easier to do it myself.” Although it’s often true that it’s easier, that doesn’t mean it’s smarter.

Food for Thought ~

Leaders need to include the time and effort that teaching requires into their time managment and planning. Consider it one of the important hats a good leader wears in the course of a day. And there’s a benefit to the teacher as well ~ learning to be patient, thoughtful and articulate. Recently, one of my clients told me about how fortunate she has been to have a boss who has also been a teacher and mentor to her.

Question of the day ~

Do you make time for teaching part of your duties as a leader?