Attitude is everything. This is so true in the workplace and especially when you’re trying to reach success. People around you notice your character traits more than you do. It pays to find out what you are doing wrong, therefore, because it allows you to change and improve.
Marshall Goldsmith’s book What Got You Here Won’t Get You There discusses the principles which can help people avoid the unconscious, annoying habits that lessen chances of success. Sam’s Book Club aims to relate these thoughts in terms of leadership in digital evangelism.
Pastor Sam Neves, the Associate Director of Communications of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, leads the book review. Together with interactive participants, watch as they share take-away lessons.
Leadership Behaviors You Think You’re Doing Right
You are amazing at some things. But there are aspects where you struggle too. You may be unaware of this and think you have the advantage, but in reality you don’t.
Pastor Sam speaks about his previous bad habits that other people may share, albeit unconsciously:
- Adding too much value
Chipping in ideas to another person’s plan is not a smart move. The reason is simple: you have just taken that idea for yourself.
- Passing unnecessary judgment
When we talk about other people or subjects, we often pass judgment, and we can lose the trust of our team when we do that.
- Responding with “no”, “but” or “however”
Frequent use of these words means you are on the defensive, creating negativity towards your team. When somebody says something you disagree with, the best response is “thank you”.
- Displaying how smart we are
You don’t need to and that’s a painful lesson to learn. People don’t look up to those who try to show how smart they are.
- Withholding information
Nobody asks, so you don’t give it. Change that mindset!
- Failing to give recognition
You don’t have to take all the credit for yourself. The more you pass it on to your team members, the more your boss and your team will respect you.
- Refusing to express regret
It’s necessary to acknowledge mistakes and regret.
- Making destructive comments
Nothing remains a secret. Find a way to help people; don’t speak negatively against them. It breaks their confidence.
- Winning too much
There are certain things in life where winning matters; you have to focus on those. There is such a thing as competition – but not with each other – with the world. Stop trying to win all the time.
- Don’t make excuses
Only children make excuses. Be mature enough to apologize and take responsibility. Your friends don’t need your reasons and your enemies won’t believe you.
- Punishing the messenger
Earn the respect of people. Don’t ever punish them because you will lose them.
- Blame anyone except yourself
Don’t say you had nothing to do with what happened if there was a mistake. You are not exempted.
- Goal obsession
If it’s the only thing you want, even if you achieve your goal, you will miss the bigger picture.
- It’s feedforward
Turn your group into a team that helps each other.
The Character You Exhibit Matters
Some people will be cynical about everything you have to say, but they need to be heard. Being a great listener is vital.
“Don’t make any enemies.” Pastor Sam says that this is one of the best pieces of advice he received in his ministry. It’s not worth it, so you may as well get along.
As a leader, expressing genuine gratitude and appreciation works wonders.
Enhance Your Leadership Mindset
A good leader is supportive of their team but is also someone who knows how to stand their ground. You have to use every opportunity to voice what you need to say. Do it in a way that shows respect to others; it is one way to be ethical.
Remember that you have to leave no room for sarcasm and cynicism inside your team. Form a creative team and value them. Always hear people out, as much as you want to be heard. Your mindset can either back you down or get you further.
Be open to growth. You don’t need to be anywhere near where you want to be, in order to fulfill the task God is giving you. He will find a way to develop you, not because you are ready– but because you can be.