leadership tip #1 - listen!

I spend a lot of time with new CEO’s and admire that entrepreneurial bent that keeps them going every day to do anything for the success of the venture. However, sometimes this driving business persona does not translate well into leading their staff - in particular today’s twenty-something’s that are new to business and used to constant recognition are suffering.

At one particular client I’ve been having a lot of discussions with the CEO and the staff (average age 22) to try and bridge the gap in communication. The discussions are not complicated, just reminding them what they already know. But because I am reminding them I decided perhaps I should remind you too.

CEO

Start listening! Listening means asking good questions and taking in what people have to say. Listening also means taking note of what they are NOT saying … sometimes that can be even more telling. Find out what’s bugging them about life, the company, management, the products, the flow of work, whatever! Listen attentively to what they say, what did you learn, how would you or the company act differently? Also, by asking good questions you engage your staff and make them feel like their opinions matter. Try to get them to that point where they say: this sucks, here’s why, and here is how I would fix it! The latter being most important because as we all know it is easy to complain but to complain and provide a solution is sooo much better. By asking good questions you can get them to think about/be a part of the solution, provide a respectful environment where they feel valued, and broaden your perspective.

Staff

Have ambition to excel! You must have a sense that your work matters, that your efforts contribute to something bigger than you and your salary. If you conduct yourself in this way, and excel, then you set the standards for others. Stand up and make suggestions! They may not always be accepted but you will learn to find your voice through success and failure. And if you find your standards clash with those people running the company then leave and move to one that doesn’t (or start your own!). Corporate tone comes from the top down so you need to believe in your management (perhaps not your direct manager but atleast your executive team).

Now, start asking GOOD questions! Listen. Make suggestions. Work together.

Hmmm, I guess I just worked myself out of yet another consulting gig. Hah!