Leadership and Relationships

What makes leadership work? Some believe it's our strong emphasis on setting limits. They think that folks who are struggling with leadership just aren't setting enough limits. Others believe that the power of leadership has more to do with providing consequences for inappropriate behavior. They think that those who're unsuccessful  just need to do a better job of providing bigger and more powerful consequences.

Both of these viewpoints are right…and also wrong. Limits are critical, but we'll never make them stick if we don't have good relationships. Holding people accountable for their poor performance is also essential, but have you noticed that some people just don't seem to care that much about consequences when they come from someone they don't respect?

Everything rests on relationships. Limits gain their power from them, and so do consequences. So, if we want leadership to have its full power, we're wise to do plenty of the following:
         
          - Focus mostly on strengths rather than weaknesses.
          - Smile as often as possible.
          - Write notes that tell subordinates your expectations.
          - Greet them each day.
          - Make sure that they overhear talk about how much their contribution to the organization is appreciated.
          - Deliver your leadership with great sincerity.

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