What’s that sucking sound you hear? Leadership vacuums, and why it ‘matters’
If a vacuum is something that is entirely void of matter, a leadership vacuum is a space entirely void of ‘what matters’
We see it and feel it, but don’t know what it really is. It’s missing in our government, schools, businesses, and sometimes in our families.
Vacuum is ‘a space entirely void of matter’. We characterize a leadership vacuum; as a space that is entirely void of ‘things’ that matter.
Think back to a time where you and others all felt the same energy and excitement. Maybe your team won the State Championship. The entire company won a prestigious award. Your charity organization just raised a record amount of money. Leaders rallied you to meet this task. Some of you worked for days, weeks, or even months to get there. What kept you going?
What if those feelings were the norm?
We do not live in a Utopia. It is impossible to live every moment in a state of euphoria. Even if you personally can manage this, your employees do not share the same enthusiasm that you do for the business. How can you connect their goals with the companies?
If you have seen this story before, I use it for many teaching opportunities. Which one of these bricklayers do you want on your team?:
Three bricklayers are asked: “What are you doing?”
The first says, “I am laying bricks.”
The second says, “I am building a church.”
And the third says, “I am building the house of God.”
How do you get your team to consciously come to work and think like the 3rd bricklayer? You need to know what is important to them, and you only do this by connecting. John C. Maxwell’s quote is appropriate here. “Everyone communicates, few connect.”
Connectors Inspire People
In last week’s blog I wrote about the one question I ask all coaching clients … “what do you want to be, do, or have?”. Leaders:
When is the last time you asked a team member that question?
What have you done to equip them to reach their goals?
When did you follow up with your team to see where they were in the process?
That’s all on you … when they know you care, they will care. Leaders who combine these qualities motivate people to contribute their utmost to the organization’s goals. How do you connect what matters to them, to what matters to you?
You want a wall built - they want to please God. Paint picture for them. Create the vision.
You want 7% increase in sales - they want to spend more time with the family; Empower them to come up with suggestions on how you can have both.
If you are having trouble doing this math, give Kole Performance Group a call to see how we can help you write a winning formula.