Leadership is not a job description, its an action. Maybe that’s why you haven’t heard from me much in the last few months. I was particularly busy the later part of last year. The store is growing, and we are taking on new challenges, so we implemented a much-needed change. People say they like change, but generally they don’t like it when it is happening to them.
To leaders, change is growth. Change is an opportunity to solve problems.
One of the changes we implemented was to bring some fresh new leaders into the mix. During this growth period, I received interesting feedback from our team regarding the changes that are now affecting them. I, too, have some input; Leadership is not a job description, don’t put it on your resume. During this transition, our team members reached out as to why they felt they should be leaders as well. Responses like:
- I have been here longer
- I had to “train” the leader so I know more
- I deserve it, and they will take every opportunity to point out someone else’s weak spot.
Lee Cockrell, former Executive Vice President of Operations of Walt Disney World Resort®, explained in his book “Creating Magic”, how Disney was undergoing oceans of change. He went home to have one of his favorite meals, which included Tabasco sauce. During the lunch, his wife gave him green Tabasco sauce. When he objected to his wife, she told him that she heard it was good and to try it. Guess what? It was good! Good change!
How do leaders really “LEAD?
Who is following you? If you don’t have anyone following you, then you are not leading. You’re always in a position to lead, even if it’s as easy as holding open a door for someone. No one else did it; you’re leading by example. Leaders didn’t make it to their position by training others, or tenure. Leaders stay to get it done. I hear this from brilliant minds across all positions. They will work an all-nighter or cancel plans to get the job done. They are a leader because they are problem solvers and they finish the task. 
I encourage my team to follow and listen to various podcasts, it’s a FREE education! Craig Groeschel recently talked about how leaders should be CPS, Chief Problem Solvers. He states, “Solving problems isn’t something you dread, its what you do.” “Anyone can point out a problem. A leader does something about it!” Leaders see where help is needed and take action. When you see a need, try to help. You know what? Sometimes it may not work, but people appreciate the help, even when it does not work.
I encourage my team to follow and listen to various podcasts, it’s a FREE education! Craig Groeschel recently talked about how leaders should be CPS, Chief Problem Solvers. He states, “Solving problems isn’t something you dread, its what you do.” “Anyone can point out a problem. A leader does something about it!” Leaders see where help is needed and take action. When you see a need, try to help. You know what? Sometimes it may not work, but people appreciate the help, even when it does not work.Leading through needs!
My family and I went to dinner at a local pizza place. We had been a few times before, and we all enjoyed it. We generally meet a couple of families there and with my own family of 8, it gets very busy, very fast. This particular Sunday, they were already busy when we walked in. They had three people working, and the line went out the door. It was taking forever, and I am watching these high school kids getting more and more stressed. Feeling bad for the employees, I walked to the back told them I knew the owner and proceeded to wash my hands and told them I was going to help. I sized up the only task I could do, which was taking pizzas out of the oven, and cut & plated them, helping the team to serve the guests quicker. Of course, I did encourage them to contact the owner and let him know they needed help. My wife, Noell, had been singing at church that morning, so she followed about 30 min behind us for lunch. When my wife saw me she was not too surprised to see me behind the counter, she said, “that’s what you do!” See a need, fill a need” –Bigweld from Disney’s Robots.
Leaders are not waiting until they get a better paycheck. If I get paid more, I will help, or I would stay, but others get paid more. Wrong outlook, not a leader statement. Leaders want to grow and know how to earn more by rolling up their sleeves and digging in.
Recipe card for leadership growth!
- Get to work 30 min early for work (even if it’s for free, the rewards will come in time.
- Stay later than your shift.
- Look for opportunities that others shy away from doing.
- Dress nicer than those around you- If you’re trying to pull ahead of others, you don’t have to be the best, you have to be better than them. Remember that old joke: if you are with a friend, and you see a bear, you don’t have to be faster than the bear, be faster than your friend.
- Tackle problems. Problems are opportunities in disguise.
Comments
Nice educational learning