3 Things Great Leaders Don’t Do
Great leadership doesn’t just happen; it is intentional and strategic. There are a lot of things that leaders have to do in order to be successful. But there are also a few things that great leaders avoid doing at all costs. In this post, we’ll explore three of those things. By understanding what not to do, you can position yourself as a more effective leader and help your team achieve even greater success. So let’s get started!
1) They Don’t Just Hear, They Listen
My definition of hearing is simply the ability to pick up a signal with your ears. However, listening is being able to interpret the signal and respond accordingly. Many leaders hear, but they don’t listen to what people say. U.S. President Woodrow Wilson said, “The ear of the leader must ring with the voices of the people.” We are meant to believe that leaders magically know what to do without ever having to listen to the needs of those around them, but great leadership is the complete opposite. Leaders know what to do because they have listened to the needs of those around them. It is only by mastering the art of observing that leaders can move progress forward. A leader that never listens is a leader that will never be listened to.
2) They Don’t Just Talk, They Speak
My mentor Dr. John C. Maxwell wrote a great book called, Everyone Communicates, Few Connect. It is a fantastic resource you need to experience. The book’s title alone is worth it all because the truth is everyone talks, talks, talks, but few people speak with influence, inspiration, and impact. As leaders, we should strive to be the kind of people that tremendous value comes out when we open our mouths. We need to be careful not to speak before we think. Author Napoleon Hill said, “Think twice before you speak, because your words and influence will plant the seed of either success or failure in the mind of another.” Words are like seeds that eventually produce sweet fruits or bitter roots. As leaders, we must be very careful and very intentional about the words we communicate. What you say and how you say it determines what you get and how you get it. Check out this podcast I did on how to Leverage Your Lungs.
3) They Don’t Just Look, They See
Nobel Prize Winner Alexis Carrel said, “A few observation and much reasoning lead to error; many observations and a little reasoning to truth.” Over time, your ability to see what is happening under the surface of words, body language, and situations must be developed. The more you can see root issues and not just look at the symptom, the faster you can solve problems. You have to observe, ask questions, and reflect to truly become a great leader. Quick judgments and knee-jerk reactions will sabotage your influence and impact faster than you made the judgment. Sometimes your reactions reveal more about your leadership than your actions, so be careful to slow down and see what is really happening.
Challenge yourself to develop these three skills by being intentional about practicing them in your next meetings, interactions, and opportunities. Of course, no one wakes up one morning being an expert at these skills, but with effort and focus, you can develop them, which will build your influence and impact!
