Surrounded in Combat - Bad. Surrounded in Leadership -- Essential.
"We're paratroopers (insert 'leaders')... we're supposed to be surrounded!"
Major Dick Winters, 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, World War II
"I'm not the greatest leader, I've just surrounded myself with great people," I heard several officers say after they were recognized for their leadership and accomplishments in the Army. No leader should lead alone. Who surrounds you?
I'm a visionary big thinker. I'm very creative but less of a scientist. I need a scientist near me to see the fine print, to analyze and organize data which will inform my creativity and decision-making. I'm very extroverted. I prefer social settings where I can interact and inspire a group toward a common goal. I tend to lower my shoulder and plow through cement walls getting things done in rapid fashion. I need to be surrounded by an introvert or a few of them who can think through things more deliberately than I; people who can deliver a well-thought-out concept and options to solving a problem. I'm semi-blinded. I need a coach who can shed light on things I cannot see, a person who knows me, my personality and what makes me tick. I can go on but the point is, these people round me out. The collective, not the individual leader, is what brings greatness.
Think about your leadership in a previous role when you performed at your peak. Who was around you and what did they contribute? How did they round you out?
Surrounding yourself with great people is only the start. You have to have real conversations (more on that in a future blog!) with people in your circle to help them 'see' you and, as I often say, protect you from yourself. Examples:
"John, I'm visionary and innovative in my thinking. I approach decisions through feelings more than facts. I need your help. You are innovative as well but you are superb when it comes to facts and details. You're more of a scientist than I. The team and I need that from you to make us great. I'll lean on you leveraging your skills and I want you to feel empowered to whisper in my ear or grab me by the arm before I sprint toward a decision."
"Debbie, you are so organized and you bring a big dose of reality when it comes to the time and effort required to accomplish my big hairy audacious goals or BHAGs! I need you on my team, close to me as I lead this organization. I won't always abide by your timeline and live by your schedule but I will listen intently to what you present and do my best to heed your advice. In return you'll be privy to all the organization's biggest initiatives. You'll have a large part in their success. Can I and the team count on you?"
These conversations can (and should) happen in groups as well. I'm certified to deliver the Forté Institute’s® Team Pulse and Interaction Report which sheds light on the strengths of others in the group as well as what motivates and demotivates them. It's a game-changer for sure.
Know yourself, know your people, have real conversations and you'll accomplish great feats. I'm here to help you and your team. Contact me today and let's have a conversation about who surrounds (or should surround) you.
Make it Personal!
Rob
Rob Campbell