Tag Archives: leadership styles

We would rather have one man or woman working with us than three merely working for us

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“We would rather have one man or woman working with us than three merely working for us.”

—J. Danby Day, per Forbes Magazine

Image of cast of "Who's the Boss?"

Image from Zimbio

When it comes to the subjects of leadership and management, one of my biggest pet peeves is the word “Boss.”

I find myself squirming, often downright repulsed by the idea of one person managing an individual or team through the “top-down / command-and-control” manner conveyed by this word.

My 35+ years of experience working for public and private companies have shown me that people are far more fulfilled, empowered, satisfied and successful when they work with one another rather than for others.

Because of the feeling of contributing to a community, people experience a heightened sense of impact and purpose, knowing they are truly valued.

EXERCISE:

How can you become a more masterful leader, manager, and coach in your professional and personal communities so people gravitate and look forward to working with you?

“Remember that a kick in the..”

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“Remember that a kick in the ass is a step forward.”

—Author Unknown

Photo from Flickr by Brittney Bush Bollay

Photo from Flickr by Brittney Bush Bollay

I use a special 360º Leadership Survey in my work with business leaders. The survey evaluates their style as a leader, and the effectiveness from their own perspective and that of their associates.

The two results-producing styles are called “team leader” and “taskmaster,” with the first being a balance between results and people, and the second being a focus exclusively on results.

Although being a “team leader” is by far the preferred style for optimal long-term results that empower people, sometime the “taskmaster” or, as in this quote, “a good kick in the ass,” may be the only way.

EXERCISE:

Examine for yourself where and when the situations you find in your professional or personal life would most benefit from a balanced team leader or a kick-in-the-ass taskmaster approach to move the issues you face forward.