Effective managers differ from the average in 3 aspects
Managers are people too. Some are a little more structured, others a little more visionary, some are characterised by charisma, others by predictability. Some show respect through polished manners, others through unsparing openness. Everything has its place, its advantages and disadvantages. Depending on the task, one characteristic may fit better than the other.
A robust mix of these traits and knowing and avoiding the key leadership pitfalls may be enough to do a decent job as a leader. However, very good managers play in a different league. There are exactly three skills that qualify them for the top league:
- Effective leaders have a strong purpose
- Effective managers consistently focus on what can be influenced
- Effective managers accept other concerns and negotiate
Re 1: A strong concern
The most valuable thing we humans have is time. We can neither save nor trade time. But we can invest them by using them for a cause. A concern is not simply a goal. A cause is something for which you want to use the most valuable thing you have. Effective leaders have an authentic answer to the question of why they are devoting their life time to this particular cause. And no, salary, status and fame are not authentic answers.
2: Focus on what can be influenced
The world is sometimes a difficult place. Possibilities shift and leave us with the feeling that we are Sisyphus. Effective managers are not impressed by this. What's more, they observe the shifts and consistently look for their chance. The greatest hardship is easier to bear if you do something about it. And the opportunity comes. Sisyphus understood that. We have to imagine him as a happy person.
to 3: One person, one concern
Anyone who is in complete agreement knows too little about themselves. Effective managers do not avoid disagreements, but are fascinated by them. They give those around them the feeling that they are respected people because they allow all opinions.
On this basis, they consistently negotiate milestones. And we do this where our own concerns overlap with those of our employees. Stereo leading is the method of choice here.
PS
Communication is missing here! Communication is the most important thing. I hear this or something similar at every workshop. And in any analysis of what it takes now, communication is in the top 3.
I do not agree! I have a completely different opinion here. It's about attitude. All three points above are about attitude:
- What am I spending my lifetime on?
- How do I deal with resistance and opportunities?
- How do I deal with other people and their opinions?
If these three central aspects of your own attitude are in balance, it is almost impossible to communicate incorrectly. Because it is authentic.
- the term "concern" is coined by Gerald Hüther
- My approach to different realities is strongly influenced by Gunther Schmidt. The happy Sisyphus too.