Are You Really Showing Up?
Your organization is a reflection of what you tolerate. In the spirit of the season, let me recommend 5 leadership checkpoints - what is it that you tolerate? - for showing up.
1. Show Up On the Front Lines. I remember a College President standing at the bus stop chatting with students. She left her car behind that day, so that she could connect with the real reason she had the job. Brilliant! Take time to lead by putting your feet and face on the front lines.
2. Show Up for Your Commitments. When a CEO is socially responsible, he is often asked to take on the President’s role in not for profit organizations. I remember a respected Executive who called monthly meetings of the Board, and then did not show up himself, believing that the senior team would make good decisions. Make sure trust flows in both directions.
3. Show Up Intellectually. A leader’s behavior sends multiple messages. I remember a Senior Team retreat, which the manager had called to discuss “how we make decisions around here”. He spent the better part of the afternoon on his blackberry, nodding and interjecting at appropriate moments in the discussion. Two of the attendees handed in their resignations soon after. There’s a difference between what you say you should do, and what you do. People notice.
4. Show Up Emotionally. When staff makes a mistake, back them up and work through the learning opportunity with them. I remember a vice president who continues to support an employee who failed to see the long term effects of a decision. The incident became the turning point for this young man, who is now in a leadership position himself. A little compassion and positive reinforcement goes a long way.
5. Show Up With Passion. If the leader is the only passionate voice in the place, it’s time to check the pulse of the organization. I remember a strong leader who took her zeal so seriously, that she drowned out the voices of people who worked for her. Staff were two or three steps removed from the heart beat, frustrated that their input didn’t seem to matter. Passion can be contagious, if there’s a place for everyone around the table.
Shifts in global thinking are a signal to every leader. Listen, and you’ll hear the wake-up call. We can’t keep doing what we’ve been doing when the economy, environment and social changes are in a state of whiplash.
I’m a strong advocate for taking time to reflect and resolve to make small personal changes that make a big difference in the way others relate to you as a leader. 2009 should be the time to show up for yourself – first.
- 30 –
Maggie Chicoine is a Master Coach, professional speaker, facilitator and writer. She is the Lead Facilitator for Leadership Thunder Bay. Her weekly column will return in 2009. Reach Maggie at 1 800 587 1767 or www.theideasculptor.com
1. Show Up On the Front Lines. I remember a College President standing at the bus stop chatting with students. She left her car behind that day, so that she could connect with the real reason she had the job. Brilliant! Take time to lead by putting your feet and face on the front lines.
2. Show Up for Your Commitments. When a CEO is socially responsible, he is often asked to take on the President’s role in not for profit organizations. I remember a respected Executive who called monthly meetings of the Board, and then did not show up himself, believing that the senior team would make good decisions. Make sure trust flows in both directions.
3. Show Up Intellectually. A leader’s behavior sends multiple messages. I remember a Senior Team retreat, which the manager had called to discuss “how we make decisions around here”. He spent the better part of the afternoon on his blackberry, nodding and interjecting at appropriate moments in the discussion. Two of the attendees handed in their resignations soon after. There’s a difference between what you say you should do, and what you do. People notice.
4. Show Up Emotionally. When staff makes a mistake, back them up and work through the learning opportunity with them. I remember a vice president who continues to support an employee who failed to see the long term effects of a decision. The incident became the turning point for this young man, who is now in a leadership position himself. A little compassion and positive reinforcement goes a long way.
5. Show Up With Passion. If the leader is the only passionate voice in the place, it’s time to check the pulse of the organization. I remember a strong leader who took her zeal so seriously, that she drowned out the voices of people who worked for her. Staff were two or three steps removed from the heart beat, frustrated that their input didn’t seem to matter. Passion can be contagious, if there’s a place for everyone around the table.
Shifts in global thinking are a signal to every leader. Listen, and you’ll hear the wake-up call. We can’t keep doing what we’ve been doing when the economy, environment and social changes are in a state of whiplash.
I’m a strong advocate for taking time to reflect and resolve to make small personal changes that make a big difference in the way others relate to you as a leader. 2009 should be the time to show up for yourself – first.
- 30 –
Maggie Chicoine is a Master Coach, professional speaker, facilitator and writer. She is the Lead Facilitator for Leadership Thunder Bay. Her weekly column will return in 2009. Reach Maggie at 1 800 587 1767 or www.theideasculptor.com
Photo credit: Richard Chicoine iCopyright 2008
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