Nine times out of 10, when we complain about lack of initiative in those we lead, it's because we've unintentionally put a lid on it. Here are some thoughts...
1. Responsibility has to come with authority. Has to.
2. How we react to mistakes is crucial. Slapped fingers stifles initiative.
3. Our environments have to be permission-giving. Experimental even.
4. Invite them to the table. People don't try when their opinions don't count.
5. Give credit to everyone at some point for some thing. Look for it.
I unintentionally practice most of these steps, because of my personality. Thanks for putting them in a list for me to review.
Do you think that there are some personalities that don't respond well to leading in this way? Perhaps they aren't comfortable experimenting, and would rather execute predefined tasks?
Or maybe certain people who need slapped fingers to learn from mistakes?
Differences in personality has been a big conundrum for me because I like lists so much.
Posted by: Mike Anderson | March 09, 2009 at 10:03 AM
Excellent list! I've just come under new leadership that's deploying each of these, and steering away from their opposites. I couldn't articulate these yet, but I sure resonate with them! :-)
Posted by: brad | March 09, 2009 at 12:36 PM
Ben, how do you create a permission-giving environment?
Posted by: Jay Brock @ The Sex Rev | March 09, 2009 at 01:49 PM
Ben, what's absolutely necessary for these to happen is humility, servantheartedness and unselfishness. That was my first thought. I want so desperately to see these 5 things just flow naturally from my leadership. My biggest blocks tend to be the 3 things I mentioned above.
Great list. Very encouraging.
Posted by: jasondtaylor | March 09, 2009 at 02:46 PM