Yesterday was a great day. I spent it with a group of leaders at one of my favourite client’s talking about one of my favourite tools: Situational Leadership. I love simple concepts that stand the test of time and the Blanchard/Hersey model is just that. But, like anything else, it can boil down to nothing more than a pretty picture if you don’t do something with your new knowledge. Which brings me to my quote of the week from Erwin McManus:
“The world doesn’t need more great leaders, it needs more great people who lead.”
The quote made me pause and think: What makes someone great? The greatest people I’ve seen – not just in leadership, but in life – never think they’re great but they all seem to share one simple trait: they want to do and be better.
They never seem to feel like they’ve got it all figured out and, as leaders, are continually looking for ways to improve.
The bottomline is this: models like Situational Leadership aren’t going to make you a better leader. They are just tools… it’s your ability to use the tools that makes them worth knowing. And this really boils down to your own level of self-insight and willingness to build the skills and behaviours (harder) you need to be better. The more you understand yourself, the better you can lead others.
So, if you want to be a great leader I suggest that you start by confronting your short comings and uncovering your blind spots… relentlessly. Although hearing negative feedback is never pleasant, the more you become aware of your assets and liabilities, the more power you have to do something about them and get the leadership opportunities you want and deserve.
You get one ride around this life… you might as well go for it and be the greatest leader you can be… don’t you think?
Happy leading!
