This is Part One in a four-part series on leadership. In this issue, we talk about Blue Leaders.
Face it,
Blue Leader, people already think you talk too much and take forever to make up your mind and take action. If you want people to follow your leadership, respect you - even love you - then mull over these suggestions and, gee, TAKE ACTION!
1) Shut up. Monitor how long you talk in meetings, then cut it down 80%.
2) Take action, like NOW. Ask for deadlines for action steps. Adhere to the "dead"lines like they are life and death.
3) Respect titles, positions, and the pecking order. Yes, be Blue-approachable, Blue- friendly, and super-Blue democratic, but remember that most people see themselves and you yourself in an org chart. Many people fought hard to get where they are and want acknowledgement for the power and territory they feel they deserve. You lose respect when you step on toes beneath you and above you. You "step on" them just by being an unfiltered you. You are probably perceived already as a rare manager singing Kumbaya and as a rare "over the top" manager playing the role of guru in some hippie commune swirling inside only your own happy head.
4) Stop preaching. When you manage performance, know that people might only see you as a school principal, not as Father John, the confessor and peacemaker. Learn effective processes for people management. Know that most (yes, that may be far more than 50% of) people are exceedingly NOT comfortable being introspective and philosophical. Stick to business goals and business behavior, unless you do happen to be Anthony Robbins.
5) Be a filtered self. Point #5 here will be the same for all four personality types. Sure, you want and need to be yourself and act like yourself up to a point. In a business world, however, some of your values are respected by everyone; other values can scare people or at least turn them off. For you, Blue Leader, seek harmony, but do not jeopardize the business by coming off as "too nice," "overly emotional," "easily persuaded" or, worst of all, "illogical." Instead, filter (and actually support) your harmony-seeking needs by being firm, centered, fair, and a sound judge of priorities.
In the next issue, look for ideas on Orange Leaders.
