Debunking the Leadership Myths - Myth #1

by Scott Airitam

President, Scott Airitam's Leadership Systems, LLC

www.leadeshipsystemsonline.com

So, I get to talk about Leadership for a living. It is a topic that never ceases to amaze me because Leadership has to be flexible enough to adapt to the many variables affecting it. Just because one Leadership response worked well one time, does not mean it will work well the next--even if the situation is identical. The variable there is timing, right? I mean, if something worked well once, the next time you're in that situation any number of things could be different in the environment, about you, about perceptions... Then there is always the variable of the person or people being led. Moods, attitudes, emotions, all figure in.

In spite of all this, consistency in results is a mark of great Leadership.

Now, it must be said that the capital "L" that I always throw in front of the word Leadership is there for a reason. Capital L Leaders generate the results they are looking for because they Lead in a way that makes others want to do what needs to be done.

With that being said, let's deal with the Leadership myth for this week.

Myth: A Leader must be willing to yell and "get in people's faces"--even as a last resort--in order to be true to the goals of the organization.

Believe it or not, I have had arguments with people over this one. Recently. You see, the argument supporting this myth is that if you're not willing to be "tough" then you are really weak. In other words, you automatically weaken your position if you don't have the will to be a bully.

I understand the argument, but I simply can't agree. You see, I've been a Leader through the toughest situations without "getting in people's faces" and I've seen others do it. People have a hard time with this because when you throw out that option, you throw out many people's "easy button."

By clearly setting goals and expectations, by being flexible and listening, by truly having the back of those you lead, and by giving people the ability to choose consequences based upon their actions, you certainly can Lead others without ever taking out the bully-stick.

In fact, the minute you pull out the bully-stick and try to force others to do your will, you change the game. No longer are you Leading with a capital L, you are intimidating. Intimidating is indeed effective for getting people to do what you'd like them to do, but only short term. The variable here becomes YOU. You must be there to present the threat of intimidation. When you are away, nobody wants to sacrifice for you. If they do sacrifice, it's only because there is some personal gain in it for them.

Remember, a Leader can get people to want to do what needs to be done. Can you do that?