THE ESSENTIAL INGREDIENT FOR KIND LEADERSHIP
In my last email, I explained how being “nice” is self-focused and short-term. Mastering kindness develops many skills that are an essential part of leadership like choosing long-term results over short-term. Giving honest feedback versus spin. Communicating, not just talking numbers.
If you didn’t receive my comments about nice vs. kind leadership, you can read it here.
The illustration I used to contrast nice and kind was in the evaluation of an employee. However, the same concept applies to every decision in running a business, from selecting and developing leadership, to compensation, to the structure of departments, to employee benefits, to apportioning budgets, and sustainable growth.
- The leadership team was discussing an underperforming employee and unanimously agreed the employee (1) doesn’t get it, (2) doesn’t want it, and (3) can’t do it.
- The company was struggling with profitability. An analysis showed their quotes were too low, the overhead too high for capacity, and COGS regularly exceeded revenue.
- The marketing campaign was generating lots of leads, but the close rate was meager. The most common reasons for not closing were (1) cost is too high and (2) the service is more than I need.
And they were struggling with what to do. The reason for struggling is they wanted to be kind – yet each was missing the essential element for kindness
Namely, a purpose and a plan to achieve it.
Kindness requires a big picture context. Without a defined purpose and a plan, there is no context for leadership. Without context, your decisions become situational, circumstantial, lack consistency, and short-term. Without context, there is only nice.
If this describes your situation, then it is time for a tune-up of your purpose and plan, including goals and strategy. A third-party, like a coach, can get this done quickly either working one on one with you, or with your executive team, and often in less than one day.
After all, hope is not a plan. And without a plan, there is no hope.
To schedule your tune-up, contact me here.
Blessings,
Keith