Being a great leader requires that you get to know your team as people - as individuals. Knowing their family and personal situation as well as their skills and aspirations.
I grew up in the electrical industry and my “shield” was to have this persona of what I thought I was supposed to be like. I dressed the part, I played the part, going to conferences and strategically seeking the 4-5 key people I needed to connect with to make the ROI on the investment in the conference.
I remember at one industry event, at the opening reception, I was “stuck” in a conversation of chit chat with a group of people who couldn’t necessarily help my business. I found myself looking for any way to excuse myself so I could go find that key prospect that I needed to connect with to make my meeting investment worthwhile.
How much fun do you think that was?
Then a wise man said to me “KJ, everyone has something to offer. You need to take time to establish personal connections, learn from every conversation. They might not advance your business or be in a position to give you a purchase order, but they all offer some unique perspective or insight.”
That insight changed my approach to industry and business events.
And with my employees, I was always hesitant to let down my guard to give them a glimpse of my personal life...let them see the “real me”. That took a lot of effort, and it prevented me from establishing real, authentic connections. Thanks to some solid leadership coaching, I was able to finally let down my shield and let people see the real me. Laugh at myself. Have fun at work (what?).
Here is a picture from one of our Project Gift events with me laughing along with my team.
There was a time when you certainly would not see me laughing, smiling, just being the real me with people at work.
My friend Deb Huttenburg shared: “I now start my conversations with my team with a question about how they, the individual, and their family are doing. And then genuinely listen to their response. Only after we cover that do we move into the business of business.”
It only takes a minute, but it’s so impactful.
Here’s the takeaway:
Make it personal - get to know your team as individuals and on a personal level, and let them get to know you as a person.
Have some fun – running a business or department is serious business, but it’s also ok to laugh, smile, and have a little fun. It sure makes the business of business a lot more enjoyable.
Be authentic - whether you’re leading your team or calling on a customer, as my fitness instructor says, “you do you”. Don’t try to be someone else.
It is personal!
.....just be you, don’t be too serious, and don’t be in such a rush to be the next you…....enjoy the journey.