Today, a slightly different format to the usual 5MSM, as my work this week has been focussed on leadership, more than my usual strategy work.
So here are two leadership interventions which are literally no-cost. And, even better, they work superbly. But don't believe me, try them both. Start today.
The best no-cost leadership intervention ever
If you want to be the sort of leader who inspires others to do their best work, put a sign on your door that says this:
“If you have a problem you'd like to discuss, you are welcome, providing that you can offer me:
(i) a brief description of the current situation
(ii) how you contributed to it
(iii) two potential solutions
(iv) your recommendation”
One leader to whom I recommended this approach said his ‘case management’ of subsidiary leadership issues fell by 80%, immediately. Best of all, he got to have breakfast with his kids, rather than arrive at work at 7am to get work done ‘before the hordes arrived’.
The second-best no-cost leader intervention ever
This works best when you have a team working in the same location, but will work digitally also. Simply hold a meeting every day (not once a week). It should:
be artificially brief (15 minutes is better than 30)
have the purpose of identifying bottlenecks and stressors
give people the chance to both offer and request help
I won't tell you what will happen when you do this, except that you're bound to see people behave differently, towards you, and amongst themselves. For the price of a sheet of paper, and 15 minutes a day, you'll get considerably more back from your people than you would if you sent them to 'leadership' training.
And a final tidbit, in the spirit of radical honesty. The best leadership question EVER. Ask yourself this. Ask your colleagues who are leaders to ask themselves this. Ask everyone around your leadership table this, and get them to comment publicly.
“Why would anyone want to be led by me?”
Please quickly click the ‘heart’ to let me know you’ve enjoyed reading this week.
Enjoy your weekend, and make sure you do at least one thing that is refreshing and rejuvenating, as well as calming and relaxing.
See you next Friday,
Andrew
These are very simple, yet profound reminders. I love how they also can significantly impact a leader's own workload. Thanks, Andrew!
As always - amazing advice and value-add Andrew