Timeout for Leadership-your one-minute leadership idea

Game time adjustments #16

Are you a diva or leader?

Fact:   Perhaps more importantly, how do people see you.?

A diva is usually described as a self-important person who is temperamental and difficult to please.  It has been used to primarily refer to women but today it is likely to be used to describe male or female, especially one who is in charge.

A school does not need a diva to be sitting in the principal’s chair.  For that I am sure.  However, some leaders actually strive to encapsulate many of the diva qualities. And over the long haul, this is unhealthy for your school or organization.

The diva principal requires high maintenance and is extremely needy.  He or she is probably most times moody and is seen as inaccessible to others.  The diva is unusually demanding and unforgiving.  He or she are usually quite negative and usually sees any glass as being half empty. However, sycophants are always welcome.  This person needs to surround him or herself with people that will tell him or her always what they want to hear and will continually kiss the leader’s ring.

The diva usually has low self esteem and constantly needs to have that self esteem pumped up.  He or she will take that esteem inflation from anyone. 

Many times, the diva leader is reaching the career burn out phase.  If he or she lasts long enough, you will be able to witness the flame out with the diva being replaced or leaving the school on his or her own.  You see, the team at the school will begin to tune the person out.  His or her words or actions will no longer carry the same weight as they once did.

Most divas are in over his or her head.  That’s right, they are not qualified for the job that they hold and are struggling to stay afloat.

The way I see it, there are two critical flaws in the diva personality.  Namely:

• They want all of the credit when something goes well and will accept no blame when something fails.
• Divas will never show gratitude.  They just do not know how.  It is like they will choke on any words hinting of gratitude.

If you are working with a diva, I suggest that you just put your head down, work hard, do your job and do it well.  Always deal in facts and evidence. 

And if you are in that leadership position, you must know the warning signs of diva behavior.  And perhaps more importantly, appreciate the people that work with you and show them that appreciation. And when it is time to offer credit, get out of the way and get out of the picture that will appear in the newspaper.  Let you team be the highlight.  The team should share any credit.

Those two items, gratitude and sharing the spotlight, will go a long way in keeping you grounded in your leadership role.  Good luck!