Jon Gordon, author of The One Truth, joins the hosts to discuss the humanity of managers and the importance of humility in managing others. They explore the concept of humble leadership and the balancing act of leader authority and humility. They also emphasize the significance of conflict in decision-making and the importance of communication and grace in leadership.
Humble leaders have moments when they need to hear 'whatever you say, boss' in order to navigate pressure and distractions.
Effective leaders strike a balance between demanding compliance and valuing the diverse perspectives of their team.
Deep dives
Leaders with the right motive sometimes need accommodation
Leaders who genuinely have the motive to serve others and demonstrate humility still have their own needs. It is important for them to acknowledge and accept that it is okay to have those needs. Sometimes, they require grace and encouragement from the people they lead to effectively carry out their duties, especially during challenging times. This does not imply blind obedience or sycophantic behavior but recognizing that even humble leaders have moments when they need to hear 'whatever you say, boss' in order to navigate pressure and distractions.
The balancing act of humble leadership
Humble leaders face a unique challenge in ensuring their needs are met while maintaining their humility. While they are skilled at considering the thoughts and opinions of their team, there are instances when they must assert their own decisions and preferences. A good illustration is that of a movie director who, under immense pressure and responsibility, may need to insist on doing things a certain way for the benefit of the project. This is not an abuse of authority, but rather a necessary expression of leadership to move forward effectively.
The delicate art of demanding compliance
Aspiring humble leaders often struggle with demanding compliance from their team. It may feel uncomfortable to ask for their input or persuade them during decision-making processes. However, there are instances when a leader, based on their experience and expertise, may need to assert their authority and say, 'I need you to do it this way.' This should not be seen as a disregard for their team's input, but rather a recognition that the leader bears responsibility for the outcomes of the decision. Effective leaders strike a balance between demanding compliance and valuing the diverse perspectives of their team.
Conflict and discomfort is necessary on a healthy team, but when exactly is it better to be deferential to the leader? This week, Pat, Cody and Tracy discuss the humanity of managers and the importance of humility in managing others.