Imagine a corporate world where those being led had a strong vote on whether their leaders lived to lead or were shown the door. This happened recently at the newly combined Fiat-Chrysler, and the question that was asked of low and mid level staffers was:
“What do you think of your boss?”
How would your team answer that question?
According to a recent article in BusinessWeek, Sergio Marchionne, the CEO of Fiat-Chrysler, parsed the answers to find the people most respected by their subordinates.
“If he didn’t hear expressions of leadership voluntarily from people, he took it as a sign that they didn’t view the executive as a leader.”
Donuts on Friday Won’t Do It!
Now before you rush out to order in lunch and walk around the office asking people how they are doing, consider that the respect for you as a leader is much different than whether the team likes you. It’s easy to like a person as a human being, but not respect his/her leadership capabilities.
Buying donuts on Friday will not save your leadership hide. Whether you like it or not, your leadership credibility and as a result, the respect that people have for you as a leader are on trial every day. In working with early career leaders, I encourage them to exercise the following credibility builders constantly.
The Eight Credibility Builders of the Effective Leader:
- Constantly showcase a positive attitude and high energy level
- Pay Attention and truly listen.
- Honesty is the only policy.
- Keep your agenda visible and remember that your agenda must be the team’s agenda.
- Make the tough decisions quickly and free your team members to do their jobs.
- Forget the personal pronoun “I” It’s never about you.
- Encourage risk taking and use mistakes as teaching opportunities, not punishable offenses.
- Build credibility and earn respect by actively supporting the development of your team members.
The Bottom-Line:
There are a countless number of “moments of truth” everyday where you can earn or lose the respect of your colleagues. These moments are golden opportunities to build your leadership credibility and earn respect.
Starting today, try assuming that the people that work for you will decide your fate, not those above you. If this feels different, good. Use The Eight Credibility Builders above as training wheels, and add to the list as you gain confidence.
“… the respect for you as a leader is much different than whether the team likes you. It’s easy to like a person as a human being, but not respect his/her leadership capabilities. ”
This is so true. Unfortunately too many leaders get caught in the people pleasing trap, thus not standing up for anything which damages their credibility.
Great post.
Thanks for reading and commenting, Janna! I agree. I worked for a leader once that wanted to be everyone’s best friend. We all liked her, but we did not hold her leadership capabilities in high regard. -Art
I do love donuts…. but once again you have nailed this one. Respect is something you can only give away to others. The more you give it away, the larger your own respect account grows. Good stuff, Art
Thanks, Bret! I love donuts as well, but you are right, they don’t translate into respect. -Art
Your points really hit on the aspects of bosses I’ve considered leaders over the years. Although I think about it a bit more bluntly. The better leaders I’ve worked with both advanced the team’s agenda and their team members while having their backs as well. That ability didn’t always come with a comfortable personality, so it was up to the team members whether the negatives outweighed the positives. But it is easier to be happy with a bit of a rude boss that gets the job done than one who makes you feel good about yourself but not the work.
Great points. The following might make them a bit more effective:
Before communicating ask yourself these questions:
1) Is it true?
2) Is it kind? (Honesty doesn’t have to be bludgeoning)
3) Does it REALLY need to be said?
D) After I communicate this will the relationship (with whomever) remain where I want it or advance? Or will it deteriorate?
Make it safe for your people to come back to you.