Four Leadership Lessons from my Holiday Readathon
“A capacity, and taste, for reading gives access to whatever has already been discovered by others.”
– Abraham Lincoln
I’m thrilled that so many companies are slow - or even closed - in the last part of the year. I love curling up with a good book, and allow myself to binge on “non-business” books over the holidays. A book that’s been on my reading wish list is Tara Westover’s Educated. If you’ve not read it, check it out.
I won’t share the plot, as it’s Westover’s memoir and her story to tell. Now in her early 30’s, she’s an accomplished professional and author who’s overcome significant challenges. Her interactions with teachers and mentors reminded me that as leaders, we have a responsibility to our people. Here are four lessons I took from Westover’s book:
1) Remember: you just don’t know people’s backstory. Your employees are parents, spouses, siblings, children, aunts, uncles…you get the point. Your team members don’t check the rest of their lives when they badge in for the day. We are complex individuals with complex lives. Focus on the individual, be clear about deliverables and expectations…and recognize that your life experience and your team member’s are not the same. That diversity of experience and thinking is what drives innovation.
2) Believe in others – and tell them. Westover had a few professors who believed in her, and saw her genius, potential and capability – even when she couldn’t see it herself. These leaders pushed her to deliver, and made sure she had access to opportunities. They spoke out on her behalf, and encouraged her to exceed beyond what she’d ever imagined she could accomplish. That’s your job too!
3) Tell your story. One of the quickest ways to build trust is to share a bit of yourself with your employees. Tell them about a time you failed, and what you learned from that failure. Talk about a great lesson you learned from a mentor as you were building your career. When did you get feedback that was hard to hear, and yet made a tremendous difference to you? Your ability to show some vulnerability will go a long way in building connections with your team.
And…
4) Connection is critical. As a leader, you are only as effective as your team. Build the team, painting a compelling picture of what’s possible. Then, work with each person to identify what skills they bring to the team, and how their work contributes to the greater whole. Make sure each person is clear on goals and deliverables. The start of the new year offers a prime opportunity to reconnect and reset.
And if you’re looking for one more reason to connect with your employees?
In a 2019 study, 93% of employees say they’re more likely to stay with an empathetic employer. So, this “soft skill” can drive hard results.
If you’re ready to change the game and become the leader people want to follow, talk to us about executive coaching, or join us for an Immersion Retreat. Commit to your own development in 2020.