Visible Leadership
This has been sitting in the queue for a little while, but I wanted to point to a great post by Fred Wilson on making all big decisions only after a face to face interaction.
His context is checking references, but I’d like to expand upon it further. This post was a screaming reminder of how important our physical presence is and how it changes the tenor of our conversations.
Leading teams requires face to face communication. Leadership is about more than the content of the communication. A well crafted email or IM is great. But that rarely inspires someone to go the extra mile.
photo by seite-3
Leadership is bequeathed based on how you make the other person feel. It’s far easier to show appreciation, respect and interest in another when you’re communicating with both your actions and your words.
- Walk around. Don’t underestimate the power being the one who takes the initiative. It’s a humbling move that says you respect the other person enough to make the effort to see them.
- Leave your door open. Your physical space says a lot about your approach to work. A closed door gives off the aura that you’re guarded. Information can then only flow outward when you open door. Find ways to make yourself even more accessible. Is it reasonable to sit with your team?
- Be present and interested. Approach people even when you don’t have anything business related. If you’re only around when you need something then it creates a very transactional, one-way relationship. You’re not an airline and they aren’t your customer. Care a little.
- Ask for their opinions. It’s work. You don’t have to be drinking buddies, but it’s hard to respect someone when they don’t care about what you have to say. Solicit their opinions in an informal setting - like when you’re hanging over their cube.
- Show thanks. When a job is done well, thank them. Yes, it is their job to do their job. But showing appreciation doesn’t kill you and shows that you recognize when they put in some good thinking and effort.
Our communication patterns have changed. It’s way too easy to use email or IM out of a misguided sense of efficiency. But…
Don’t forget your shoes. They are the most important weapon in your leadership toolkit. Wear them out.
Related posts:
- Provide Context, Not Control
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