Alex Draper

Not much good happens to yourself and the results expected of you unless you demonstrate vulnerability and humility. Some of the most powerful sentences in leadership that will help you to help others include: I don’t know I need help Your team will rally when you they see you don’t see yourself as perfect, nor expect them to be. Be the humble leader everyone wants to follow and quash that ego.

This is where the power of a two letter word comes in handy. “No!” The demands of leaderships are to balance getting predictable results while positively influencing your team. Clarity is key to both ensuring your look after yourself and your team. Clarity is all about being crystal clear on direction and focus, not speed. The more clear you are on what matters, the easier it is to say no to anything not aligned to that focus. We have to stop the yes game. Look after yourself, your team, and the results expected of you by being latest focused on direction and saying no to anything that does not align.

The less you say the better. Dont let the curse of knowledge bias get the better of you. Try not to assume that others have the same background and knowledge as you. No one does. The simpler you make your language, the more others will understand it and lean into you.

Nothing erodes active listening more than not managing your conversational narcissism bias. The brains desire to be liked and to be right, tricks it into thinking that talking about itself builds trust. It doesn’t. We are wired to listen to reply versus listen to understand. Just knowing you have that bias, means you can manage it. Aim to talk less than the person you are talking to. Aim to always ask a follow up question before you speak. Turn off all technology so you can be present. We were gifted with two ears and one mouth. Use them in that ratio.

So long you have crystal clear clarity on the outcomes and expectations, who cares how "it" gets done? We need to get comfortable in that so long the outcome gets achieved within the defined expectations, your team might (and should) do it the way they see best. It might not be your way, and who cares. That's the challenge. You only know your way, and you think it's the best way. We have to let go of that and let others execute their way and be comfortable with a few bumps and mistakes on the journey. Firstly read the book, Rebel Ideas by Matthew Syed to get you into the right mindset. Secondly, remember, it's not your way or the highway. Let your team fail and be ok with failure. Its the best way to learn and grow.

No one likes a know-it-all all. Ego is a culture killer. Be a learn it all. Have a curious and humble mind. The simple mindset and habit of asking versus telling and being the last to talk, models an empowerment mindset and inspires others to step up to the plate. Culture is a mirror of leadership after all. Building an army of leaders is more effective than an army of followers.