Calm Leader, Lead Better Because Followers Matter
Are you a calm leader? How is your performance in the face of crisis, turmoil, or disruptive news?
There is a responsibility to leadership. By nature, many people are followers.
They follow for various reasons. They may follow out of fear or they may follow out of respect. In the best cases they follow because they have been positively inspiring to do so.
What is growing your following?
Hysteria in the workplace or in your community is something that leadership can help prevent.
Calm Leader
On a beautiful pleasantly warm summer day I remember watching a manager run past me in the hallway. As he passed, I asked, “What’s wrong? What’s going on?”
As he continued in his rush, he replied, “My windows are down.”
Another employee turned abruptly in the hallway and ran after him.
Moments later I walked towards a window area on the side of the building. Outside I noticed a window cleaning crew with a hose spraying and washing the windows.
I laughed. I laughed out loud.
Just in case you aren’t following the story line. The manager was rushing to the parking lot to put up the windows of his vehicle. His office had a window and he suddenly noticed a lot of water coming against the window. His perception was that a torrential downpour was erupting outside. Another employee followed his lead.
Better Leaders
Everyone has instincts, senses, and gut-feel reactions to information and human behavior. Largely because, well, we are human.
Leaders need to be a step above the rest. They must analyze information with a critical eye.
People will always follow.
Be very cautious about where you are leading them.
-DEG
Dennis E. Gilbert is a business consultant, speaker (CSPTM), and culture expert. He is a five-time author and the founder of Appreciative Strategies, LLC. His business focuses on positive human performance improvement solutions through Appreciative Strategies®. Reach him through his website at Dennis-Gilbert.com or by calling +1 646.546.5553.
