Many leaders believe that strong leadership and a clear plan are enough to align their people and muster the energy they need to act. But when people don’t seem to get your message, look first to yourself.
When people know where they are headed, they typically try to move in that direction. When everyone is pursuing the same goals and they are encouraged to achieve great things, enthusiasm grows and energy is invested. People want to share a meaningful journey – they want to be part of an important endeavor.
But over time, strong leadership and a clear plan are not enough to sustain momentum. Strategies fail for this reason. Daily challenges and distractions sap the initial excitement. Energy fades and your people return to more comfortable behaviors that have worked for them in the past but cannot support a new initiative. They don’t seem to get it anymore.
To lead others, realize that this will happen and look first to yourself. No one is expected to know everything about sustaining the engagement of people; however, demonstrating that there’s always something new to learn reflects a personal integrity that is evident in proven leaders and attractive to those who share your goals. Continuing to seek knowledge and personal growth is imperative for those who want to bond their team and lead them to the next higher level of performance.
Your people are sensitive to the congruence between your words and actions. If you ask them to modify their behavior, then they will first evaluate if you are “walking the talk.” You can’t lead others to believe if your actions don’t convince them that you believe. Ensure that your personal aspirations align with your company’s and with those you seek to lead. Know your strengths and your shortcomings. Make time to clarify these points within yourself, so when you bring others into a dialogue about purpose, direction and strategy, they will recognize that you are genuine.
How are you sharing yourself to encourage people to follow you?
What rationale and resources are necessary for them to meet your expectations?
Our No-Excuses Growth Executive Roundtable is a peer advisory group that provides resources and guidance to accelerate growth and take your business to the next level.
Contact us at admin@staging.elfin-bead.flywheelsites.com to schedule a complimentary consultation.
