Fancy a communication cocktail so potent it’ll make your head spin? (In a good way, I promise!)
All you need is three ingredients – and there’s not a cocktail cherry in sight!
Growing up in an under-resourced community (my term for ‘disadvantaged’) with adults of varying trustworthiness, I became an expert in reading people. You kinda had to be.
The adults who made an impact were those who were Human First, Professional Second. To put it simply they met me where I was.
I’ve seen this approach work wonders in boardrooms and back alleys alike. Too often, we try to shortcut our way to enrolment by doing things to or for people rather than with them.
With-ness is a powerful currency in the digital age.
Here are my 3 E’s of Effective Leadership.
Empathy: Walk a Mile in Their Shoes (Even if They’re Crocs)
- It sounds simple but set your face to ‘Hello’ rather than ‘Good Gravy, no him again!’
- Even easier – talk less – listen more.
- Remember: Everyone’s fighting a battle you know nothing about. Assume people are trying their best and call them UP not OUT when they’re struggling.
Engage: Less Monologue, More Dialogue
- In a meeting, invite the quieter to share first. BYOB (Bring Your Own Brainwaves)
- Get curious. It may have killed the cat but swapping jumping to judgement for curiosity leads to better questions.
- Get your hands dirty. Nothing says “I’m with you” like standing beside people in the trenches.
Enrol: Make Your Vision So Irresistible, They’ll FOMO Their Way In
- Your idea of what could be may be compelling but some people will need you to build a bridge to help them get as excited as you are!
- Show them what is in it for them. Always.
- Make the benefits clear and obtain agreement.
Leadership isn’t about being the boss of everyone’s lives. It’s about being the architect of everyone’s potential.
So grab those 3 E’s and build something beautiful!