Most of us have suffered under poor leadership at some point in our lives. Whether a boss, a coach, or even a parent, it’s a sad reality that poor leadership tends to be more prevalent than great leadership.
But when we do experience great leadership, it leaves an impression. Think of a great leader you know or admire. What is it about that leader that makes his or her leadership so much better than the vast majority of other leaders you encounter?
As I reflect on leaders in my own life, comparing the bad to the good to the great, I am reminded of a time early in my career just after completing my residency in hospital administration. I had the incredible privilege to work for a man by the name of Max Coppom.
Although my time working with Max was relatively short—just two out of more than forty years in healthcare—he made a huge positive impact on me that influenced my career, my leadership, and all aspects of my life. So what was it about Max’s leadership that was so exceptional?
The Key to Exceptional Leadership
If I had to sum it up in one sentence, I’d say Max didn’t think much about himself. I don’t mean he thought poorly of himself, I mean he didn’t think about himself much at all! As the saying goes (commonly attributed to C.S. Lewis), “Humility is not thinking less of yourself, it’s thinking of yourself less.”
As a leader, Max Coppom embodied those words. Instead of thinking of himself and focusing only on his own ideas and perspectives and goals, he thought about and cared about others, and regularly sought to hear and understand the ideas, perspectives, and goals of those he led.
Highly successful leaders, especially those in high-power, senior leadership roles, are in those positions because they’ve proven themselves. They typically have the education, experience, intelligence, and track record worth boasting about.
But what separates the successful from the exceptional, the good from the great, is their ability to forget about themselves, lay aside their ego, and focus on those they lead and serve.
Great Leaders Focus on Others
They do this in two specific ways:
1. Great leaders seek to understand the perspectives of those they lead.
In an article for Inc. a few years ago, contributor Kathryn Minshew wrote: “Understanding your employee’s perspective can go a long way towards increasing productivity and happiness.”
Great leaders realize that every person whom they lead is an individual who approaches life and work from a different angle and perspective. Sometimes a person’s background, experience, preferences, and ideas are very different from those of the leader, so great leaders seek to understand and make the most of those unique differences.
2. Great leaders boost the morale of those they lead.
Sam Walton once said, “Outstanding leaders go out of their way to boost the self-esteem of their personnel. If people believe in themselves, it’s amazing what they can accomplish.”
I admit, over the years I have had doubts about the abilities of some individuals I’ve led. And I’ve experienced plenty of occasions where the results of an employee’s efforts did not meet the standard or expectations I had set.
But I’ve also experienced time and time again the incredible results that can come from giving employees a chance, and giving them my confidence. Again, as Sam said, “If people believe in themselves, it’s amazing what they can accomplish.” Great leaders see that potential in others, and knowing it starts at the top, boost morale and lend their confidence to those they lead.
Leadership excellence demands a focus not on your own goals, ideas, abilities, or proven track record, but a focus on those you lead and serve. Great leaders seek to engage, inspire, and empower those they lead. And when that happens, it’s amazing what can be accomplished.
Question: Have you ever worked for an exceptional leader? In what ways did he or she think of themselves less and others more?
