Connections and Positive Experiences
I am often inspired by leaders I am privileged to meet and work with. This week was no exception. During my coaching conversation with Darren, we discovered we both had connections to Kevin. Darren is Kevin’s nephew. I worked with Kevin years ago. Kevin was a Supervisor in a manufacturing facility. Yes – we are all connected in some way or so it seems.
I shared that Kevin was always so upbeat at work and people respected him and enjoyed working with him. He didn’t seem to take the tough times so seriously and could rally those around him to engage and conquer some of the toughest challenges.
Darren shared that he knows others who worked with (and for) Kevin and they have expressed similar positive experiences with him. We concluded that Kevin was respected by those who looked to him for leadership.
Then Darren said, “I want to be a leader that is remembered like Kevin!” Simply said, yet profound. Guess what … me too!
This led to a conversation of identifying the descriptors we want/hope others use to describe their experiences with Darren.
I couldn’t stop thinking about my conversation with Darren. I shared it with my class the next day, asking each person how they wish to be remembered as a leader. And this led me to Stephen R. Covey’s book, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. Habit 2 is “Begin with the End in Mind.” I know – none of us are at the beginning of our life or career. So I have decided to interpret this as, “Begin where you are right now with the end in mind.” It’s never too late to begin again!
How? I don’t know about you, but I hear the word “intentional” and the phrase, “be intentional” used a lot these days. And I’m sure we each have given these words our own meaning. I know I have. In this context, which is to identify how we want to be remembered as a leader, I would like to share what I think it means.
According to AI, being intentional means making conscious decisions and taking deliberate actions that align with your values and goals.
It is critical that your company’s values are not in conflict with your personal core values. And if you haven’t already done so, consider listing your basic core values as an individual and as a leader. I’m thinking the two lists will be very similar. Then ask yourself, how do I demonstrate my values when interacting with those people who look to me for leadership?
Some best practices for being intentional in leadership are:
1. Active Listening – listen to understand vs. listening to reply. Ask high-gain clarifying questions. Example: “Can you explain that a bit more?” or “Help me understand what you mean when you say that.”
2. Expressing Appreciation – do not wait for perfection to express your appreciation. Check with the Gallup Q12 engagement questions which are based on a ton of research. People need to feel appreciated. People need to know they are appreciated.
3. Setting Clear Expectations – what should the finished product or project look like? Seek clarity. Ask for clarity. Don’t assume mutual understanding. And, guess what! Gallup Q12 informs us that this is foundational.
4. Nonverbal Communication – people are meaning-making machines and don’t forget that! People make meaning of what you say, what you don’t say, the expression on your face and your body language. Make sure your words match your nonverbal language.
5. Above all -- BE HONEST! Transparent. Communicating big picture, little picture, every picture! Sharing what is real, even when it may be difficult.
If your quest is to be more intentional, a good starting place is to begin with the end in mind. Ask yourself, “Specifically – how do I want people to experience me? What do I want them to say about me?” Make up your own list and write it down. Make sure your words and actions match your values.
Small forward steps can lead to big positive outcomes.
I want to be more like Kevin … how about you?
Great leaders are consistently learning. Our Leadership Development model provides current and aspiring leaders in all industries with an inspiring opportunity to gain new tools, garner skills, and learn how to become better leaders of people. Our LD2.0 Series is designed to improve your ability to provide feedback, leverage your emotional awareness, navigate change, cultivate teamwork and collaboration, as well as employ a level of strategic thinking that aligns with your values and your company values. Learn more here.
In remembrance of Kevin, with gratitude for the life he lived and the lives he inspired.