It is always valuable as a leader to be aware of the
leadership principles that the greatest leaders adopt.
Modelling the principles of great performer can be very helpful.
Last week I facilitated a very productive 3 day team development
programme for a group board. I then came across an article about
Barrack Obama's favourite book 'Team of Rivals'. I sent them a
summary as it linked in very nicely with some of the high
performance leadership mindset principles we had discussed. So
thought I would share. The book is based on the leadership style of
Abraham Lincoln and is influencing Barrack Obama's approach. So
here are the key points.
1. Lincoln was very good at taking
responsibility for the mistakes of his team. I you want high trust
with your team, when things go wrong 'look in the mirror' and when
they go well 'look through the window' and give the team
credit.
2. He actively found ways to share success with his
inner team. Do this so your team feel part of the mission. Some of
the glory will reflect on you naturally anyway.
3. He knew how to connect to the larger public
through speeches, stories and poetry. He had such clarity that
people felt they were watching him think and that he was telling
them the truth. He said that a good story is better than a drop of
whisky! I am a big believer in great story telling.
4. He knew relaxation was essential, visiting the
theatre about a hundred times during his time in Washington.
Franklin Roosevelt chose to a hold a cocktail hour every night
during World War II when no one was allowed to mention the war.
This enabled him to have a mental break so he could then think
clearly. Take mental breaks your performance will always
improve.
5. He was very good at putting past hurts behind him
and never allowed wounds to fester. This is essential.
6. He recruited rivals who would question his
authority and were unafraid to argue with him. This way he got the
best people and liveliest debates. Though ultimately he made the
final decision. Barrack recruited Hilary Clinton. Do you
always take the easy option with your people?
7. He publically acknowledged his own errors and
learned from his mistakes to a remarkable degree. Don't be afraid
to admit you were wrong. People relate to this.
Every leader has flaws. Lincolns came out of his strength, which
was generally liking people and not wanting to hurt them. He failed
to fire George McClellan head of the Union Army. The consequences
were lost battles and thousands of lives. What are you putting
off?
Never forget that no one achieved anything of great
significance on their own.
If you are interested in an exceptional tailored team development
programme do give me a call for a chat.