In his book, How to Work with Complicated People, author Ryan Leak says, “Half of Americans quit their jobs because of their bosses.” Research from Gallup has taught us that people don’t leave companies ~ they leave ineffective leaders.
OUCH!
That’s a lot to process I am sure, and yet, you must know as a leader you are the chief tone-setter in the company, the one whose attitude sets the standard for your employees. The ripple effect of the energy you bring to the office is powerful. Human nature is to follow, so your behavior in action and word will be contagious to the teams.
On the other hand, the author also found one compliment can spread 8,000 times in 24 hours! That’s incredibly encouraging!
Not sure if you are complicated? Well guess what, we all are complicated to somebody!
So ask yourself, “How am I complicated?” Take a breath. If you think you are not in any way, do a quick tour of your employees’ behavior of late.
Do you notice anyone avoiding you?
Do you notice anyone trying to change you?
Do you notice direct eye contact decreasing in meetings?
Do people still speak up as much as they used to?
How’s the absenteeism rate in your company?
What about turnover?
Listen, I’m not here to pick on you. I’m here to empower you!
Ask yourself this question: “How can I create the kind of environment that people want to show up to on Monday morning?
Leak also suggests you become a “Know It Some” vs. a “Know It All” leader.
As a leader, I know you feel tremendous pressure to have all the answers and solutions to all the problems. You probably even believe you must always look like you have it all together.
But guess what? Real people are working for you, so they want to work for someone who is real as well. When you can show up 100% human at the same time you are 100% leading, you will have hit a bullseye with your teams.
Notice people. Pay attention to the little things they do every day to keep the company rolling along. Acknowledge them with some verbal praise or drop them an email of appreciation.
When solutions are needed, open yourself up to company wide feedback. Encourage the innovation and creativity of your employees. Someone may have an outstanding idea that can be implemented.
You really don’t have to know everything.
Again, you are the tone-setter. Make sure when you show up, you have done your due diligence to take care of yourself and your life so the attitude and energy you bring is less complicated, more welcoming, and sets everyone up for greater success.'
If you would like more support for yourself or your team, email me at cindy@cindysmarsh.com.
