What makes a good leader?
Reflecting on my last post addressing my initial thoughts of what makes a good manager, I feel that this could be discussed in so much more detail. As someone going into a future management position, it seems that this is something I should thoroughly explore and figure out what people like and dislike in a manager. One trend I’ve picked up on is how important leadership is in this role and how not every manager is necessarily a leader.
I watched a fabulous Ted Talks (I am obsessed with Ted Talks) by Simon Sinek called, “Why Good Leaders Make You Feel Safe,” and it really made me questions and think hard about what a true leader is. He starts off by talking about the military and how these men even at the highest ranks are willing to sacrifice their own life for someone in the lowest rank all for the sole reason of “they would do it for me.” This mentality creates a safe environment, not because what they are doing is safe, but because each and every person in that platoon knows that the person to the left, right, front, and back of them has their back no matter what. A great leader like those that exist in the military instills this mindset into each member of his/her team and leads by example. People want to follow them because they trust each other and they feel safe knowing that it’s one team one fight.
In many corporate businesses, this isn’t always the case. We see it on TV, in the media, even in our own working lives; people knocking each other down to get themselves to the top. This doesn’t create safe work environments, people aren’t motivated to create quality work in a place where they don’t know if their job is safe and secure. Unfortunately, some that make it to the top are those that stepped on others to get there. No one wants to follow them, no one trusts them, people fear them. They might be in a position of high power, but they are not a leader.
Aside from those few who get to the top at the expense of others, there truly are many, many great leaders out there. I fortunately have worked at jobs where I’ve really admired my superiors. My internship this summer had a fabulous director and I really strive to be a leader like her one day. When I had tasks that were less than glamorous and I was putting in a 10-hour day to simply get them done, she was right there working alongside me and I really admired her for that. She didn’t have to stay two hours late and help me stuff folders for the symposium the next day, but she did. People like this, who put others first, create a safe, inviting, and motivating work environment, are true leaders that everyone should try and learn a thing or two from.
Simon Sinek "Why Good Leaders Make You Feel Safe"
I watched a fabulous Ted Talks (I am obsessed with Ted Talks) by Simon Sinek called, “Why Good Leaders Make You Feel Safe,” and it really made me questions and think hard about what a true leader is. He starts off by talking about the military and how these men even at the highest ranks are willing to sacrifice their own life for someone in the lowest rank all for the sole reason of “they would do it for me.” This mentality creates a safe environment, not because what they are doing is safe, but because each and every person in that platoon knows that the person to the left, right, front, and back of them has their back no matter what. A great leader like those that exist in the military instills this mindset into each member of his/her team and leads by example. People want to follow them because they trust each other and they feel safe knowing that it’s one team one fight.
In many corporate businesses, this isn’t always the case. We see it on TV, in the media, even in our own working lives; people knocking each other down to get themselves to the top. This doesn’t create safe work environments, people aren’t motivated to create quality work in a place where they don’t know if their job is safe and secure. Unfortunately, some that make it to the top are those that stepped on others to get there. No one wants to follow them, no one trusts them, people fear them. They might be in a position of high power, but they are not a leader.
Aside from those few who get to the top at the expense of others, there truly are many, many great leaders out there. I fortunately have worked at jobs where I’ve really admired my superiors. My internship this summer had a fabulous director and I really strive to be a leader like her one day. When I had tasks that were less than glamorous and I was putting in a 10-hour day to simply get them done, she was right there working alongside me and I really admired her for that. She didn’t have to stay two hours late and help me stuff folders for the symposium the next day, but she did. People like this, who put others first, create a safe, inviting, and motivating work environment, are true leaders that everyone should try and learn a thing or two from.
Simon Sinek "Why Good Leaders Make You Feel Safe"
Sounds like you had a great mentor. I wish I could tell you that people who behave badly and who step on other people don't get ahead, but that would be a lie. But it's far better to get a little way honorably than to get to the top without honor.
ReplyDeleteYou are fortunate enough to have had such a great mentor this past summer. Having a manager like that that will work side by side with you through the difficult tasks speaks volumes. I firmly believe that you cannot "own a restaurant, until you bus tables". It is vital as a manager to understand exactly what your staff does. That is how you earn respect. No need to push anyone down to get to the top.
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