Insights 20: Serving and affirming others!

Edition 20:  10 November 2021

Thoughtful quotations:
“The first and most important choice a leader makes is the choice to serve, without which one’s capacity to lead is severely limited." Robert Greanleaf

“We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.” Winston Churchill

“The goal of many leaders is to get people to think more highly of the leader. The goal of the great leader is to help people to think more highly of themselves.” J. Carla Nortcutt

Context for reflection:
Contrary to popular belief the single biggest reason people quit their jobs does not lie in their remuneration, but rather a lack of acknowledgement. Gallup polls suggest that around two thirds of people suggest they receive zero positive feedback, in a given year. Our own surveys show the two words most lacking from leaders are simply “thank you”.

Sincere verbal affirmation is key to emotional connection between team members. Emotional connection furthers trust, security and support which is critical in our fast-paced and continually changing business world. Being told you are doing an exceptional job is a powerful way of motivating you to perform even better. This furthers the emotional connection and creates a magic between leader and team members that can become spontaneous and contagious, at its best. 

Serving implies a deeper focus on the growth and well-being of the team. 
Servant leaders practice these characteristics:

• Personal and environment awareness

• Foresight & big picture thinking

• Listening with empathy

• Caring and stewardship

• Persuasion

A servant leader shares power, puts the needs of others first, helps individuals develop and optimize performance, is willing to learn from others, and forsakes personal advancement and rewards. Servant leaders concentrate on performance planning, day-to-day coaching, and helping people achieve.
 
A few question to contemplate:

• Do you take time to think and plan your team vision and development beyond the expected?

• How do you make affirming and recognition a daily habit?

• Who are you coaching to achieve “big things”?

Drafted in all humility as I continue my journey of discovery. It is indeed challenging, with so much to remember and learn.

Join the Insights Leadership Programme to further your leadership journey. Call me to discuss or email us for further information on this exciting journey of discovery.
www.greenleaf.org
www.mindtools.com
www.bizlibrary.com

Andrew Pons

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