People Follow You" by Jeb Blount is a book that outlines the essential qualities of effective leadership. The author argues that great leaders inspire and motivate their teams by creating a vision, building trust c qualities, and building a team culture that fosters collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement. It also emphasizes the need for leaders to prioritize personal and professional development, as this will enable them to be more effective in their roles.
Blount says leadership is complex.
My engagement moment came; what we experience, we remember. He stated creating positive emotional experiences means taking action to do something kind for another person for the sole purpose of making him feel good.
Avoid harboring premeditated resentment.
Steer clear of having a self-centered attitude.
Refrain from treating your employees as disposable commodities.
Blount states creating positive emotional experiences for your people because you sincerely want to give them joy without expecting anything in return. For leaders, this requires faith that, when you share with sincerity and for the right reasons, even though some of your employees won't appreciate your efforts or take advantage of them, the universe has a fantastic way of evening things out and paying you back many times over-sometimes directly and sometimes indirectly. It is the faith that by consistently doing the right thing and putting your people first, you will find success as a leader. I can assure you that you will.
Here are some next steps that can help you improve your leadership skills and build a high-performing team:
Reflect on your leadership style: Take some time to reflect on your current style and identify areas you can improve upon. Consider your strengths and weaknesses and leverage your strengths and work on your weaknesses.
Create a vision: Develop a clear vision for your team that aligns with the organization's goals. Communicate this vision to your team and get their input to ensure everyone is on board.
Build trust: Establish trust with your team by being honest, transparent, and consistent. Encourage open communication and be receptive to feedback from your team.
Communicate effectively: Develop strong communication skills and use them to keep your team informed and engaged. Be clear and concise in your messaging, and be willing to listen to your team's concerns and ideas.
Lead by example: Set the tone for your team by modeling the behaviors and values you want them to embody. Be accountable for your actions and hold yourself to high standards.
Prioritize personal and professional development: Continuously seek opportunities to learn and grow as a leader. Attend conferences, workshops, and training programs, and seek mentorship and coaching to help you improve your skills.
By following these next steps, you can improve your leadership skills and build a highly motivated, engaged, and productive team.
Reflection
People Follow You: The Real Secret to What Matters Most in Leadership by Jeb Blount offers insight into employee and leadership relationships. I was impressed with the amount of "common sense" practical ways as a leader, we can make small intentional moves that will change the progression of our organization.
I am a Leader. What's your superpower?
Dr. Tarcia Gilliam-Parrish,
Engagement Specialist
