“Management is doing things right; leadership is doing the right things.”
-Peter F. Drucker
No one else in your company has the wide angle view or ability to understand all the elements like you do. Right?
When organizational guru Edwards Demming said that leaders should work on systems not in systems, what do you think he meant?
Answer: That leaders add the most value to the team when they are working on improving the team and not just doing day-to-day work, solving all the problems, handling crisis, and managing relationships.
The greatest value that leaders can add is to focus more on the team than on the work.
Therefore, as the leader you must view your team from the outside. The metaphor “on the balcony” suggests that one is observing from above rather that being caught up in the bustle of the team. The balcony also means the big picture view.
Before you start to think that practicing leadership will require that you exit the building and not work anymore. Start to think of yourself on the balcony. But keep in mind that the balcony isn’t a physical space but rather a mindset.
How can you be in the middle of the action and still be on the balcony?
- You can involve others in solving a problem rather than doing it yourself.
- You can explore root causes of a problem and fix a broken system rather than solve a daily crisis.
- You can supply needed resources.
- Be aware of the impact of your actions on the atmosphere of the group.
Next, ask yourself, “When I am on the balcony what is my product?”
Kee in mind that the product or service of your organization becomes your team’s responsibility. And the team becomes yours. Once you understand this concept, you can get to the work of looking at yourself, your habits, roles and influence. You can then start to make the change from managing to leading.
Ask yourself, “How might the concept of being on the balcony change my personal leadership behavior?” “What roles do I need to practice to improve my skill as a leader?”
High Performance Advocates can help to shift your focus and put together the action steps that will help you be a great leader.
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Related Workshops:
- The No-Wimp Zone: Setting Performance Expectations
- What do you do when you need to confront someone who isn’t meeting expectations? Chances are you do NOTHING for as long as possible! Learn how to set non-negotiables, and how to use dialogue to reduce unpleasant emotions, raise the bar, and get the outcomes you need. High performance businesses are born of high expectations.
- Empowering Employees: From Good to Great – You can Bridge the Gap Between What You Want and What You Get
- Learn the difference between commitment and compliance motivation. Learn how leadership must change to help others become committed. Learn the principles and elements that empower people. Understand and take away tools and skills you can use today to begin to build commitment and accountability in your organization.
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