Don’t be Your Own Worst Enemy

I knew a manager who was frustrated that his staff were afraid to make a decision.

He withheld critical information. He second guessed every decision they made. He did not provide guidance and brow beat people who made a poor decision. When did they have a chance to make a decision? It was easier for them to default to no decision.

He failed to see how his actions contributed to the results he was getting

To keep this from happening to you, have the self awareness to see the impact of your actions on others. Truly be open to opinions different to yours, and value the work of others. Their methods may not be the same as yours, but if the results achieve the commander’s intent, then hear them out.

Leaders serve their followers by getting out to the way. Give commander’s intent to your followers, then get out of the way.

You have to clear barriers and provide support. Show your followers that you trust them. Give them the chance to create the plans themselves. They are more likely to buy in to the plan and carry it out if it’s theirs.

Clear the way for your followers and stay out of their way.

Check out my book, Reflections on Leadership