Could this same strength become a weakness? I hate to say it --- Yes it can. You might be thinking, "sounds like a crap sandwich, Scott!" Maybe it is; maybe it isn't. Let me explain and then you give me your take on it.
If we as leaders only focus on getting things done by jumping in and solving problems, then it will become a weakness. We will focus on the challenge. We will set the direction at the beginning and then forget about it. We will also forget about the people. We and our teams will become lost in the challenge. Think back to your leadership challenges in EIL. As the challenge moves along, we forget about the direction/the goal. We become more intense and more focused on getting it done (winning). That is when this strength moves from an asset to a leadership liability.
The next time you are faced with a challenge:
- Set the direction
- Embrace this strength
- Remember the direction/goal during the whole process of overcoming the challenge
If you do this, it will be a great example of how to Lead the Interstates Way.
So, what's your take on it?
Scott Peterson
This is spot on. In my previous life as a high school teacher, part of the gig was leading certain extra curricular activities. One of my favorite things was to build sets and do the lights for plays and musicals. The primary goal, of course, was educational. The school offered these activities so that students could learn. It took some effort to keep the focus on learning rather than just getting it done. It took even more effort to allow students to do it as well as they could, rather than take over under the guise of "quality." If the goal is for students to learn, taking over to do it faster or better is exactly the opposite of what a great leader would do. Get r done... of course, but get the right thing done.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDelete