It is great to have a mission to follow. The definition of mission is: an important goal or purpose that is accomplished with strong conviction. Mission brings purpose and meaning to our day. It is also invigorating to have vision. Vision is the act or power of anticipating that which will or may come to be. With vision we can see where we are going. It is easier to walk forward in the light rather than in darkness.
But sometimes we can get so captivated by vision and mission that our focus can become too narrow. I see this often with leaders. We become so focused on a goal that we become blind to the team around us who are helping also to accomplish the goal for the vision.
Right now I have a couple of clients who are awesome leaders. They work very hard and have reached high production goals for their customers. However, in the process, they have hurt their team. In stress they have become critical instead of encouraging. They have become demanding instead of motivating. They respond quickly instead of listening. They become authoritative instead of influencing, and their team is shutting down on them. They have fallen into leadership pitfalls.
I also see this happen in Not-for-Profits. It is easy to become so focused on the populations they are serving, but then forget about the staff, volunteers and donors who are also passionate about the same cause. Leaders in NPO’s can fall into the trap of viewing time spent with donors as an obstacle instead of an opportunity to engage people in the mission. They have fallen into leadership pitfalls.
The solution to leadership pitfalls can include the following:
Widen Your Perspective.
Picture in your mind a triangle with vision and mission at the top. When we are too focused as leaders, we only see the pinnacle; however, a triangle also has a wide base to hold it up. The base and sides of the triangle is your team. This includes those you supervise, your peers and those who lead you. It can also include vendors, affiliates, volunteers and donors. A vision and mission is accomplished with valuable people who share our same cause.
Engage Your Value for People
Leadership is more about people skills than technical skills. Leadership is the people business. Great leaders love getting results but they also love people. Sometimes when we are under pressure, we can get too results focused. So, always remember to engage your value for people. Take time to reflect on the value of each person on your team. What do you enjoy about them? Take time to wonder about how they are feeling and what their perspective is.
Encourage Your Team
As you engage your value and enjoyment for the people on your team, then let the love flow! Make sure you speak out compliments. What have they been doing well? What have you been doing well as a team together? When you see an area where they are lacking, don’t focus on the negative. Instead, focus on their potential. Encourage them by calling them up to the strengths that you see they can develop into. Encouragement is simply building up, instead of tearing down.
So what part of the triangle are you focused on? Do you need to step back and see with a bigger perspective? Who do you need to encourage today?
Thank you for being a leader who is always looking to reach your potential! If you would like to discuss your leadership, please contact me.