Let me set the scene. I was fresh out of graduate school and found myself in my first management position. I was doing well, and the program was growing. Then, my boss left, and I was called into the executive director’s office. The company was restructuring and during this process I was going to be solely in charge of the department and reporting to the CFO of the company.
If that had been it, this would have been a great opportunity for growth and development; however, it was not it. I was placed on a Board of Directors committee to develop a plan to restructure my department and find cost savings. Little did I know that the decision had already been made to scrap the entire department. From this experience I learned 4 valuable lessons about leadership:
1. Integrity is key
“The supreme quality for leadership is unquestionably integrity. Without it, no real success is possible, no matter whether it is on a section gang, a football field, in an army, or in an office.” - Dwight D. Eisenhower.
The most important principle of leadership is integrity; however, it is more than being truthful. Having integrity means you own your mistakes, own your choices, and listen to criticism and direction from others. In his book, Return on Character, Dr. Fred Kiel describes high integrity CEOs as ones that "were often humble. They appeared to have very little concern for their career success or their compensation."
By focusing on the success of others, owning their decisions and mistakes, and listening to those around them a leader demonstrates they are trustworthy, honest, and worthy of being followed. When a leader possesses integrity, they have nothing to fear because they have nothing to hide. The openness that is fostered from integrity creates a safe and enjoyable working environment that increases employee engagement and moral.
2. Be Authentic
Authenticity goes hand in hand with integrity. Trying to people please, play a role, or be someone you aren't not only costs time and energy, but it also creates an persona that is not sustainable.
I learned early on in my career that trying to be someone I am not is a great way to be shown the exit. People see right through the fear that comes with maintaining your lie and talking like you have it figured out pushes people away.
Asking for help when you need it and admitting that you don't now as a leader, will foster discussion and communication with your coworkers that will pay off in dividends down the road. In an era of political and business scandals, authenticity is going to win over employees and customers.
3. Be Encouraging
It is all too easy to get wrapped up in the business of the day. Many leaders fail to stop and enjoy the successes and pick others up after failures. As a leader it is your job to be the cheerleader for your employees. This means that we not only enjoy our successes; but that we provide support and pick others up after failures.
No matter how many successes a company has, if the employees do not feel like they are appreciated that company will be damaged. Being a cheerleader for the employees of your company allows them to see that you understand the amount of effort they are putting in. In turn, this increases employee morale and productivity because they are more willing to give a little extra.
Encouragement doesn't have to be a big, over the top ceremony. Just taking the time to send an email or peek in an office door to say a few words will go a long way.
4. Be Connected to Your Staff
If a leader is encouraging, they will naturally be connected with their staff, but how can you be more intentional about connecting with the employees that put in countless hours for you?
In a recent Inc.com interview former Twitter CEO Dick Costolo explained how he takes time every day to wander around Twitter's offices and have unplanned connections. Costolo says his wondering makes the whole company more productive, open, and honest. All key attributes to an effective leader.
When your employees feel connected, they are energized and moral increases. Increased energy and moral will lead to increased productivity and will allow you to deliver a better product.
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