I am always asked what makes a great leader. We are all different. Some people have exceptional product knowledge while others know how to fill in strategy gaps. There are those who inspire their team and others who keep their team honest. While every individual has their distinct areas of expertise, there is a method of all-encompassing leadership….
Leadership by Example!
The greatest leaders set an example. They have a constitution about their work that they are unwilling to compromise. It can lead to difficult conversations with ambitious team members. There will be an instance or two when you when you have to tell people what they have to hear instead of what they want to hear. It is never perfectly elegant but such is the life we have chosen.
In his book “Start With Why” Simon Sinek introduced the Golden Circle.
Starting with “why” is an excellent premise for leading with purpose. The simple concept, “people don’t buy what you, they buy why you do it”. So how does the Golden Circle apply to leadership….?
- You may sell data protection services – that is the “what”
- You may have an impeccable ability to teach your team the bigger picture of your product function – that is the “how”
Your constitution – company mission, organizational vision and core values are your WHY. As a leader, it is incumbent upon you to believe in the aforementioned principles and to tell them on the mountain. Regardless of role or departmental function your mission, vision and values are all encompassing. Every decision is made easier in consideration of the aforementioned.
Too often core values are words on the wall created years ago gathering dust. We get caught up in the rat race of product development, market penetration, and metrics for revenue improvement. People are hired and fired based on bullet points and the primary focus of the organization is lost. This turns people into numbers and erases the differentiators that formulate your genuine existence. Don’t ignore the irreplaceable commitment that makes your company special. Live it and pass it along.
Performance reviews are a necessary means to measure human contribution to the bottom line. Training puts knowledge in the speaker’s mind. But, people don’t buy what you they buy why you do it. Your team cannot show up to work without the ability to explain WHAT you do – knowledge is accreditation. Your team must have the ability to differentiate your solution to a customer’s needs – HOW it works has to be taught. The belief in why you do what you do separates Great companies from Good companies. Engaged employees believe in your mission, vision and values. Satisfied employees are more focused on the “what” and “how”.
May I suggest the following in bringing purpose (the WHY) to your leadership style:
- Introduce your Mission, Vision and Values before the how and what
- Be Transparent in your decision making process
- Start With Why
Live It!
People want to work for passionate leaders. They want to know that the person who represents them to the company share holders would do anything to promote their hard work. Regardless of organizational role, all employees are committed to honor a common mission, a leadership vision and core values!
If you do not believe in the aforementioned ideals you will be unable to convince anyone of your conviction. Leadership is an act of conviction.
Every interview should include the introduction of your Mission, Vision and Values (your WHY), before you discuss job function (the how) or products/services (the what).
Pull Back the Curtain
Annual performance reviews do not motivate employees to achieve their goals. You cannot inspire a culture of teamwork by simply explaining what you do and how you do it. Employees are distracted by the unknown. Your team needs to know where they stand and how they can constantly improve.
If your leadership goals are not interpreted to your team in a manner that inspires them to win, you are working in silos. Transparency is the gateway to trust. If your employees trust you, they will do anything for you!
What’s Your Why?
Review the Mission, Vision and Values of your organization with your team at your next meeting. Ask them what these principles mean to their work. Help them understand that they are all part of something bigger and that together their power is much more mighty….and mean it when you say it!
There are shades of grey in every discussion: products may have multiple uses, services may by adaptable, people posses varying strengths.
Your WHY is all powerful and unflappable. If you truly believe in your organization’s Mission, Vision and Values your actions speak louder than your words.
Lead With Purpose!
– Dave Kovacovich