The Tao of Leadership (Annoying Truths: Ignore at Your Peril)

Editor's note: This is a guest post by BrillianceInc.

You possess a pathetically small sliver of the truth.

People fear you (by nature of your status) and withhold evidence that may challenge your pathetically small sliver of the truth.

Our brains are wired for fear. And fear makes people do stupid things. To bring out the best in others, you must create an environment where people feel safe.

Leadership takes courage. That courage does not swagger but is humble and quietly confident. A courageous leader:

• recognizes her own strengths and weaknesses
• surrounds herself with people who differ
• when confronted with evidence that challenges her truths, says “Tell me more about that.”
• is confident they will get there without knowing exactly how
• sets a compelling vision and let’s others figure out the best way to do it
• listens intently
• describes reality neutrally, without accusation

You are contagious: your mood, your work-life habits, your tone, your management style–all of it embeds itself in others and helps create a culture

You cannot do your job optimally without a strong, healthy body and mind. To that end, find support to help you:

• stay fit physically
• optimize your brain
• manage your emotions and physical reactions
• strengthen your immune system
• sleep well

There is a point in your rise as a leader (e.g. from Manager/Director to Manager of Managers/VP), where everything that has worked for you will now work against you. Recognize when you cross this threshold and get a coach to help you learn new tricks and embed new habits.

Earn people’s trust; your agenda will eventually fail if people don’t trust you.

Leadership is lonely–more so the higher you go up the org chart. See that you have support from a coach, your family, friends, other leaders.

People are unique. What motivates one may demotivate another. Learn what makes people tick and tailor your praise, communication, and support, accordingly.

IQ has gotten you as far as it can take you. Your success hinges on how well you inspire trust, engagement, and action.

Repeat these useful phrases until they slip out habitually:

• “What support do you need from me?”
• “What could I do better?”
• “What ideas do you have?”
• “What else?”
• “I appreciate ____ , thank you.” (fill in the blank with something that they care about and that you believe).
• “Go home and rest. Come back to it when you are fresh.”
• “No need to point fingers. We’re in this together. Let’s figure it out.”
• “I don’t know.”
• “I was wrong.”

photo credit: Hamed Saber