Company Blog

Lead Me, Lead Me

by Adam Zack — August 6, 2015

adam Are great leaders made or born? And what are the traits of a truly great leader? I define a great leader like this: A great leader could call their team at the middle of the night, tell them that there is a plumbing problem and all the toilets and sinks are backing up in the store, and their help is really needed. Then, not because they fear for their jobs, not because they are worried about lack of sleep or getting their hands dirty, but because the leader needs their help and wouldn’t have called if he didn’t, they head right over to the store. And the leader is there, plunger in hand, directing the team and helping at the same time.

LEADER (noun)

a person or thing that leads.
a guiding or directing head, as of an army, movement, or political group.

The leader chooses the path and directs the troops on what to do. He is responsible for the big picture, not all the crayons that are used to color it. He surrounds himself with talent, by either developing great people or hiring them. Most organizations are stocked full of people with hidden brilliance that just hasn’t come out because no one has asked their real opinion. They are bogged down with managers who second guess every decision and literally micro-manage the spirit right out of their employees. The leader gives the goals, and let’s his people use their smarts to achieve them. He gives them constructive feedback and positive reinforcement as they progress. He never belittles or berates. They openly and honestly go to him when they need some guidance. And you know what? In that organization things get done. The people have confidence, and more importantly, they love their job. The results show it.

A good friend once complained to me that one of his employees, who oversaw the work of four other employees, was a terrible manager. I asked him “What are you doing to make him a better manager? Is there training you can send him to? Books to read? (Time to revisit the One Minute Manager!) Are you spending time with him teaching him how to manager better? The answer was silence. So who’s really the bad manager?

One of my favorite employees once said to me “Put me in coach, I’m ready to play!” His enthusiasm and confidence made me feel great. Your employees are ready to play. It’s time for you to coach.