Leading a team, especially at senior levels, can feel like navigating a minefield. Every word and action is scrutinized, and the slightest misstep can make the 6 o’clock news.
Or a ubiquitous all-employee email.
You can control more of that than you may realize. Just be more intentional about what you’re doing.
Think first, act second. Repeat as often as necessary to drill it into that thick head we have attached atop our shoulders. Keep this simple, as in our article on Occam’s Razor. Some specifics:
Stay above the fray.
A hallmark of all truly successful leaders is their ability to be, well, different. In a good way. Don’t feel like you need to be involved in all things. You don’t, and there are many times where, simply, you shouldn’t.
Don’t allow someone to drag you down to a mud-fight, even if you know you’re right.
(1) Choose Words Carefully. As mentioned above, every word will be washed through myriad bullshit detectors, and many of those are intent on finding a misstep, a misspeak, or a simple mistake.
Choose those words carefully and provide your definitions for words or phrases that can be easily misconstrued. E.g., if we really need to work hard this year, it doesn’t mean we weren’t working hard last year.
That sort of thing can take months to sort out and smooth over.
It’s sorta like being a rock star but without the entourage or drugs. So, choose your words like you’re picking out a wine for dinner – deliberate and with an eye on the good stuff.
(2) You don’t have to join every argument you’re invited to. Just because someone – anyone – invites you to a verbal duel doesn’t mean you need to grab your sword and shield.
Engaging in every disagreement is a fool’s errand and knocks your credibility down a peg or two. You’re the leader, not a gladiator, and you can’t be forced to fight.
Gracefully decline most battles – they are simply not worth your time or effort.
“Never wrestle with a pig. You both get dirty, and the pig likes it.”
(3) Emotions are a Sprint; Logic is a Slow Walker.
Count to ten… let the email sit until the morning… walk away for now… take a deep breath…
All are solid thoughts when considering an emotional response. We usually remember it “just after the nick of time.”
Emotions come to the forefront immediately, while logic takes a slow, deliberate stroll, carefully working its way to our brain.
For example: at our house, we have two dogs. One (Pippa) is a wiry, slim and high-strung animal, the other (Riley) a bit, shall we say, “bigger.” The vet, when we asked about his weight, said, “Well, he is a bit round.”
Riley goes everywhere that Pippa goes, just slower. But he gets there.
Like knee-jerk emotional reactions in leadership that seldom serve us well.
Just wait for logic. It’s coming.
Like the fat dog, it’s coming.
(4) Learn to Delete, Ignore, Smile, and Stare. In the digital age, the temptations are many – that snarky email, that provocative comment. Learn the art of the strategic delete, the power of simply ignoring, even the mystical-but-ever-so-effective smile, blink, and stare.
Delete everything not worth your mental bandwidth. Ignore the idiots. Smile warmly, blink in surprise, followed by the “WTF stare” instead of getting angry.
Your sanity – and credibility – will thank you.
The takeaway: Stay at your level.
Remain calm, choose your battles wisely (and sparingly), and speak with purpose. Be the example, as people are always watching.
Do this well and you might just avoid becoming the next boss meme.
Remember that grace and accountability can coexist.
