What 4 things do people want from their leader?
In helping people and organisations to improve their leadership, I find myself continually coming back to 4 key pieces of advice from a short book that packs an amazing punch, called Piranhas in the Bidet. Written by Phil Jesson (who has worked with leaders and organisations from SMEs through to blue chips) back in 2009, the book follows the journey of a fictional leader called Simon Gray, who takes over as CEO of Alderton’s, a large company that has seen better days. Through a series of conversations with his ‘chauffeur’ (or is it?!) he learns a huge number of valuable lessons about how to build better partnerships with his customers, his people and himself.
Amongst the invaluable advice and examples in the book, this summary of what people want their leaders to do is just so good. Pragmatic, full of common sense, and applicable whatever type of organisation you lead, in whatever sector. So what are the 4 things?
Firstly they will want you to show them the future. They will want to understand the organisation’s purpose and its vision. They will want to hear about your exciting longer-term possibilities and projects, to see powerful mental images of a brighter tomorrow and to hear stories that inform, educate and inspire. They will want to be actively involved in building something meaningful and worthwhile that will last for years to come and they will expect you to put the organisation before yourself. Phil uses this metaphor to summarise: “leadership is the ability to paint strong, energising pictures of the cathedral whilst the workers are mixing the cement!”.
Secondly they will want you, as their leader, to turn ideas into action. They will expect you to make sure the right plans, processes and systems are in place. They will expect you to remove any obstacles to progress and find new ways to solve old problems. Your people will also tolerate a healthy impatience on your part if you are trying to keep the momentum going - they will understand your speed and restlessness. Why? Because they know and understand, deep down, that the pace of change inside the organisation must be quicker than the pace of change outside it - otherwise it’s all over! Your job will be to make things happen with a mixture of common sense, judgement, curiosity and a love of learning.
Thirdly, you need to enthuse, grow and appreciate others. Value and enjoy working with people who have different strengths, hire people with the right attitude and then work hard to develop them, have fun in the workplace, build effective relationships within and between teams and connect with people at an individual and an emotional level. Trust others and delegate as much as you can. Be open, accessible, humble, and vulnerable. Be yourself, be a real person.
Lastly, they will want you to clarify their Values. Articulate and practice the beliefs that shape your unique culture, reward the behaviour you want more of, treat others with dignity and respect and put principles before rules. Be inclusive, compassionate and human. Understand that the Values are what hold the operation together. Speak up when behaviour is out of alignment with the Values, and understand that the Values are more than just words - they are moral hills everyone should be prepared to die on! As leader, you need to be doing what is right even when no one is watching.
Having had the privilege of working with leaders and organisations across sectors, I believe these cover brilliantly what people want from their leaders.
To ignite leadership and performance in your organisation, start your journey by emailing info@sportandbeyond.co.uk