I have been asked to read and review David C. Baker’s new book Managing Right For The First Time. As I go through it I will share some thoughts that make me go Hmmmm . . . This posting is based on one of those moments.
Your Aptitude Comes Largely From The Choices You’ve Already Made. This is a section title from the chapter, What Managers Are and How You Become One. It reminds us that leadership development starts the day we decide we like to work and will commit extra time to becoming better at whatever we do. I am reminded of a CEO telling me ‘We can’t afford leadership development right now’, and realize that too many people do not see the simple steps involved in developing as a leader.
So what do we do with this wisdom?
Use this thought as a guide for yourself/others that desire to grow as leaders. Make a simple list of what you look for in a leader and pick one area to focus on generating success/experience in that area. Here are some examples:
- Leaders: Effectively deal with different personalities. Action: Who in this office do you dislike the most? Go build a relationship with them and partner with them on some project.
- Leaders: Find solutions to problems and solve them. Action: Find something to fix that will take resources/time, present your solution to the leadership group, and fix it.
- Leaders: Help teams work together towards a common goal. Action: Find a not for profit or outside event, volunteer to help lead an event they have planned, and then do it. (plan 30 minutes debriefing with your own leader what you learned)
- Leaders: Have infectious attitudes, are seen as positive forces in the workplace. Action: Ask a few close people – Am I more like Eeyore or Winnie the Pooh? (sounds stupid, but it will cut right to the point). If you receive feedback that you are a glass half empty person, commit bringing three positive comments to every meeting for every one criticism for the next 3 months. Ask again at the end of three months.
- Leaders: Make learning a habit and help others learn. Ask two or three leaders in your company what their favorite business book it, pick one, and find 2-3 other people to read it and discuss it over 2 or 3 lunches. Maybe invite the leader in for one session to share with you their thoughts.
Becoming a leader starts before you lead.