The Fourth Tenet of High Road Leaders Give More Than They Take
In a world where we are often encouraged to look out for ourselves first, it’s refreshing and necessary to remember the importance of selflessness, especially in leadership. As I recently discussed in my blog about doing the right thing for the right reasons, the true essence of leadership lies not in taking, but in giving. This brings us to the fourth tenet of high road leadership: Leaders “Give more than they take.”
John Maxwell, a renowned leadership expert, once said, “Leaders become great not because of their power, but because of their ability to empower others.” This encapsulates the spirit of high road leadership.
High road leaders are those who put the needs of their teams before their own, understanding that their success is intrinsically linked to the success of their people. The essence lies in contributing rather than extracting, giving rather than taking, and ultimately, prioritizing service above all else.
The Power of Giving More Than Taking
Let’s consider a story. Do you remember the tale of the generous tree? The tree gave everything – its apples, branches, and even its trunk – to make the boy happy. In many ways, high road leaders are like that tree. They give their time, energy, knowledge, and resources to nurture their team members, helping them grow both personally and professionally.
As a leader, giving resembles the tree that nurtured the young boy throughout his life. Here are a few ideas to ponder with your team or loved ones.
- Encouraging and supporting team members to reach their full potential.
- Providing opportunities for development and growth.
- Being available for guidance, mentoring, and coaching.
- Recognizing and celebrating the achievements of team members.
- Creating a positive and inclusive work culture.
- Putting the needs of the team above personal gain or recognition.
In today’s fast-paced world, it can be easy to get caught up in short-term gains and individual successes. However, high-road leaders understand that true success lies in building strong and sustainable teams, rather than personal achievements. By giving more than they take, these leaders create a ripple effect of positivity and growth that extends beyond the workplace.
Practical Ways to Prioritize People Development
As a leader eager to embody the high road leadership principle of “giving more than taking,” you need to intentionally focus on people development. This requires more than just occasional training sessions or an open-door policy. Here are some practical ways to do so:
- Personalized Development Plans: Each team member is unique, and it’s crucial to treat them as such. Collaborate with your team members to create personalized development plans that cater to their individual strengths, learning styles, and career aspirations.
- Mentorship Programs: Formalize a mentorship program within your team or organization. This can offer a structured way for more experienced team members to share their insights and experiences with newer or less experienced peers. I particularly like this idea because it’s a win-win situation, as mentors often learn just as much from their mentees.
- Regular Feedback: Consistent, constructive feedback is key. This means not only addressing areas for improvement but also recognizing and reinforcing the good work your team members do. Remember, feedback is a two-way street. Encourage your team members to share their thoughts and ideas, too. Consider starting weekly check-ins. You can read more about that in a previous blog, found here….
- Dedicated Time for Learning: Establishing a culture of continuous learning is vital. Encourage your team members to set aside time for self-guided learning, be it through online courses, webinars, reading, or other methods that fit their learning style.
- Leadership Opportunities: provide opportunities for team members to lead projects or initiatives. This not only helps them develop leadership skills but also strengthens their sense of ownership and commitment to the team’s success.
- Acknowledge Efforts: Take a moment to celebrate and acknowledge your team’s achievements. A simple expression of gratitude, such as a heartfelt ‘thank you,’ can truly make a world of difference. Recognizing their hard work and dedication not only boosts morale but also fosters a positive and supportive work environment.
- Listen Actively: Make a conscious effort to listen more than you speak, taking the time to truly understand and appreciate your team’s diverse perspectives, needs, and valuable ideas. By creating an inclusive environment that fosters open communication and collaboration, you can harness the collective intelligence and creativity of your team to drive success and innovation.
- Share Credit: When your team achieves success, it is crucial to ensure that they receive the recognition they truly deserve. By acknowledging their hard work and accomplishments, you not only foster a culture of trust and appreciation but also significantly boost morale within the team.
- Serve Selflessly: It is important to prioritize your team’s needs over your own. This includes being willing to take on tasks that others may not want to do, going the extra mile to support your teammates, and making decisions that benefit the team as a whole, even if they may not directly benefit you individually.
- Foster a Culture of Trust: Building trust within your team is a cornerstone of high-road leadership. This involves being transparent with your team members about organizational changes and challenges, as well as being consistent in your actions and decisions. When team members trust their leader, they’re more likely to feel safe, take risks, and be open about their concerns and suggestions.
By implementing these 10 action steps – from personalized development plans to selfless service – you are not just leading; you are embodying the principles of high-road leadership and creating a culture that values collective success, fosters personal growth, and ultimately, empowers every team member.
What happens when a leader lacks the high-road tenet of giving more than receiving?
When a leader prioritizes self-interest over the needs of the team, it can bring about detrimental effects on team morale. Team members may feel undervalued and unappreciated, leading to a decrease in motivation and productivity. This lack of consideration for others can breed resentment, manifesting in a toxic work environment that stifles communication and innovation. Moreover, this behavior from a leader often results in high employee turnover rates, as team members seek workplaces where they feel valued and heard. Consequently, a leader’s failure to adhere to the tenet of giving more than receiving can lead to a dwindling team spirit, poor performance, and overall organizational decline.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the essence of high-road leadership lies in its focus on people, their development, and the collective success of the team. It emphasizes the importance of giving more than receiving, fostering a culture of trust, continuous learning, and open communication. As a leader, it’s imperative to prioritize the needs of your team over personal gains, paving the way for a productive, innovative, and harmonious work environment.
Now, it’s your turn to implement these principles. Take a moment to reflect on your leadership style. Are you giving more than you’re taking? If not, consider adopting the strategies outlined in this document.
Remember, change does not happen overnight. It requires time, patience, and consistent effort. But with determination and commitment, you can become the high-road leader that your team needs and deserves.
If you need help navigating this transformation, do not hesitate to reach out to us. At JAKelly Consulting, we’re dedicated to guiding you every step of the way. Let’s start this journey together.