Light on Leadership 2+2+2

Our goal for the Light on Leadership newsletter is to provide you with two questions and two thoughts in less than two minutes. We know you are busy leaders, so we hope this content is something you can use and share with others! Enjoy.

Leadership Book Recommendation: Motion Leadership: The Skinny on Becoming Change Savvy - Michael Fullan

Two Questions

Do people have to “like” you to follow you?

"My boss is such a jerk!" These are probably not the words a leader looks forward to hearing from one of their co-workers. When assertiveness isn't effectively utilized, it can make a leader seem pushy, uncaring, and dictatorial. Consider these two key points that can help a leader be assertive (when necessary) without being considered a "jerk":

1. Build trusted relationships. Not superficial connections, but genuine bonds of trust.

2. Practice humility. Great leaders are truly humble. Ineffective leaders may try to act humble, but there's a big difference between acting and being humble. Not everyone has to like you, but they must know you care.

Understand the difference between assertive leadership and being a "jerk". If you're unsure of the distinction, take some time to reflect on your leadership style.

Do you make leading too complicated?

Keep It Simple, Stupid (KISS). While it's important to analyze a situation before making a major decision, aren't we all guilty of overcomplicating some choices? Often, this complexity stems not from the final decision itself, but from poor planning and communication at the outset.

Consider the last time you tried to decide where to eat dinner with your family. What should be a simple choice can turn into an "interesting" discussion with numerous opinions. The challenge usually lies not in the final decision, but in the process and lack of planning beforehand.

Two Thoughts

Simple leadership.

Simple is not easy.

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