People Are Our Most Valuable Resource

I was speaking with a senior government official this week when the topic of workforce challenges came up.  The official recounted a conversation with a colleague (another political appointee) about their different approaches when interacting with staff.  This brought us to a discussion about the relationship between leaders and those who are led.  I have decided to share some of the more salient points here.  While approaches may differ, there are certain immutable truths about leading others.

You must love what you’re doing.  People want to work for and follow leaders who love what they do.  They’re inspirational!  Leadership is about inspiration, not desperation.  President Eisenhower said, “The job of getting people really wanting to do something is the essence of leadership.”  What better way to get people to really want to do something than to inspire them?  What better way to inspire others than to love what you do?

You owe your staff exceptional leadership.  As I said in my previous post on leadership, “When you step into a position of authority, you enter into a sacred trust with the people for whom you are responsible.”  Why should you take a risk for a staff that might not have warmly welcomed you at first?  Quite simply, because your staff has entrusted you with their future and the future of the organization.  You have a prevailing responsibility to provide your staff the same quality leadership you would expect to be provided to you; nothing less. 

Your staff is a reflection of you.  It’s easy to take credit when the organization is performing well and to place blame when times get tough.  However, if your organizational performance is slipping, it’s time to take a look in the mirror.  Staff performance is highly dependent upon the leadership provided to them.  Taking out your frustration with a situation on your staff is counterproductive.  “The beatings will continue until morale improves” approach is no way to run an organization.

It’s not about you, it’s about them.  Your staff is comprised of everyday people who have everyday concerns and everyday problems just like you.  Sometimes they need a sympathetic ear.  Sometimes they just need space to deal with their issues so they can come back without distraction and be even more productive.  Listen to them.  Trust them until they give you a reason not to.  Treat them how you would want to be treated. 

As the title of this post indicates, people are the most valuable resource in any organization – treat them as such!  Without them, nothing gets done and the organization ceases to exist.  As John Donne so aptly stated, “No man is an island, Entire of itself, Every man is a piece of the continent, A part of the main.”  None of us is able to be successful without the help of others.

Mission first, people always!