Timeout for Leadership-your one-minute leadership idea

Tip Sheet #55

Do you inspire or loiter?

“Get out of your office and be visible!”  If you follow this blog, I know that you have read that many times.  Likewise, when working with new principals it is a mantra that I keep repeating.  It is a good lesson for all new principals and new managers.  However, what do you do when you are “out there”, away from your desk?  I know I have spent a great deal of time loitering, yet I wonder how valuable my presence was inspiring others.  Kudos to you for getting out there, but I am going to bet that as far as inspiring others, we have uncovered a wonderful opportunity for you to improve.

Yes, I believe it is your job to inspire greatness!  There is no question about it.  Good leaders encourage others to perform at their optimal levels and travel on that elusive journey to excellence and greatness.  Poor principals and poor leaders merely reinforce mediocrity.  And for me, being mediocre is no place to be.

So, what are some things that you can do to inspire people.  You can:

• Coach people “up.” Stop beating them up by only noticing what they may do poorly.
• Clearly communicate your vision and model the enthusiasm and energy that you have for the job and your mission. People will follow your lead.
• Give up some control. Stop the micromanaging.  Make sure people know their jobs and know your expectations and then get the heck out of the way.
• Keep people fresh by giving them new things to do.
• Never settle for that mediocre effort or result because once you do, it will become easy to settle again. Keep your standards high pointed to excellence and greatness.
• Treat people with respect and dignity and treat them as individuals. Be careful when talking to a group to stay away from the “shotgun” techniques and avoid using the concept of “you people.”
• Nurture the creativity and enthusiasm of others. Do not put their fire out because if you do, you may never be able to light that same flame again.
• Make sure when something goes well you give your people all of the credit. When celebrating the success of a project or an initiative it is time for you to become invisible.  Instead of rushing to the front of the picture, run to the back or run away entirely.  This is essential if you have any hope of being that inspirational leader.
• Do not let others on your team take the easy way out for if you do, that behavior will become contagious.
• SHOW LOTS AND LOTS OF GRATITUDE. Be thankful for your team and the job that they do.  Make sure you let them know this.  I had a very hard time with this one and I wish a could get a career do-over to show more gratitude and appreciation for my team.  Learn from my mistakes.

At the end of the day, make your appearance and presence mean something.  If you are just there to loiter, I almost wonder how much better is it than sitting behind a desk in your office.  Yes, you are there, but your presence may be only slightly better than that of a statue.

Try this inspiration thing.  You may have to really work at it.  Who knows, one of the people you may inspire is you.

Expect Excellence and Inspire Greatness.  This is the only way to travel.