We all have much to learn from others in our world. Sometimes leaders can forget the importance of inviting others to have a seat and voice at the table.
For any of you who have worked with us or have been receiving our Monday emails, you’ll know that our core belief about leadership is all about reciprocal influence.
Our definition of leadership is that:
Leadership is the willingness
to influence your world,
and the willingness
to let your world influence you,
regardless of your role or title.
Whether we’re in the midst of economic, political, or cultural highs or lows, people must come first.We recently came across an article by Gary Burnison, CEO of Korn Ferry, titled Our Timeless Truth, that speaks to this. Below is an excerpt from that article:
On the heels of a once-in-a-lifetime cataclysm, it just feels like something else is always coming up—economic, health, geopolitical, social…. But as leaders, we must be all-in, all the time—and all about the care of customers and the feeding of employees. We shouldn’t ditch our better selves and give into the survivalist side of our human nature just because the economic arrows are pointing in a different direction. In both downturns and times of growth, leadership must always be attuned to the voice of grace that whispers, “It’s not about you.”
In his article, Burnison goes on to give some practical advice on the importance of open and honest communication with the people you’re leading so that they feel connected and engaged.
Much of this mirrors the third step (ACT with POWER) in our Leader in You® framework:
ACT with POWER
Possibilities: There will inevitably be obstacles. Keeping a possibility mindset means that you’re demonstrating to the team that, there are always options to keep moving forward. Invite the team to engage in reciprocal influence and share ideas. The more minds you have in tackling the obstacle, the more innovative you’ll be.
Ownership: Own why the project, vision, strategy is important to you and the company. Have a conversation with the team and ask for their input on their views as well.
We-Focused: Roll up your sleeves and discuss how the team can move forward together. This is another great time to use that reciprocal influence.
Enable Action: Whether you’re part of the action items or are delegating, it’s important to make sure that each person understands who will be doing what and by when.
Review and Refine: Don’t leave this one to chance! It’s important to schedule regular check ins where the team can celebrate successes, tackle obstacles, and discuss next steps.
Read through Burnison’s article and our ACT with POWER steps and see what works for you.
Let us know how it goes!
If you’d like support in putting our
ACT with POWER steps into action,
contact us today.