You are a Leader

Leadership is such a hot topic now.  People talk about it and read about it, but chances are you are already a leader.  The question is not about whether you are a leader or not.  The question is this:  Are you an effective leader?  There are a lot of bad leaders out there and the bad boss contest put on annually by www.workingamerica.org provides numerous stories submitted as evidence.

Based on my experience, the biggest obstacle for leaders is to control their ego and not become defensive.  When people act defensively, they are not open to feedback and they are in denial about their blindspots.  Without honest feedback, behaviors will not get better.  Then the culture begins to turn into one where people would rather not come to work.

You are a leader.  Now work on being an effective leader. 

Comments

[Eric Peterson]

Jann,
I think you make a great point here. I have realized that this is something I need to work hard on. I don't feel I have big ego, but I do become defensive easy. Maybe it's more of a "lack of confidence." I'm not sure. But, it's something I'm aware of and working on.

Thank you for this great post!