4.) Small talk can lead to larger engagement. Have we forgotten how to talk, much less engage with each other in normal conversation? Here are some reminders for those who still choose to speak to each other. Lead with the weather to create small talk. Don’t discuss politics or religion unless you’re consulting a politico or minister. Genuine engagement with others now officially represents a task for some, not a normal past-time. Soon there will be a smartphone campaign with the following slogan: “Look Up!”
5.) Encourage, encourage, ENCOURAGE. Even McKinsey, masters of everything leadership- and matrix-driven, cites encouragement as the number one leadership responsibility. Unlike the recent SHRM study that repeated the same tired necessary attributes to be a leader, good looks, stature, image, etc., encouragement is actually something you can do that benefits others. How many times did someone encourage you today? Return the favor to receive the favor. Simple yet not widely held practice.
6.) Keep moving past web-based platitudes such as the one the Korn Ferry Hay Stack posted the other day: “Majority of Fortune’s Most Admired Companies say they have leaders of tomorrow,” or something stupid to similar effect. Countless others not worth mentioning. Most serious observers quit putting stock in the commercially obsessed Fortune lists a long time ago, yet that message hasn’t reached down yet. Not to worry. The next generation will put that one to final rest soon enough.
7.) Finally, get some rest. The leadership industrial complex is now espousing a lot of down time to find yourself or the “white space” necessary to remain highly charged and creative. Whatever. Try unplugging and raising a glass with trusted friends. Type A obsessions can be re-channeled when you get back to the office. A pre-existing client emailed last week to say they were taking some much needed time off. Bravo! I can’t remember getting that type of message from someone in the Left Brain crowd. Some of my dear friends don’t even realize how tired they look sometimes.
Jeremy C. Garlington
Point of View LLC
4060 Peachtree Rd./Suite D-#117
Atlanta, GA, 30319
Phone: 404-606-0637
Web site: www.pointofviewllc.com
TGR web log: www.povblogger.blogspot.com