Monday LeaderTip: Question Authority

People in positions to lead hinder themselves and others by having too many "answers" and not enough questions.  In fact, truly bad decisions are made by those who fail to question or probe what's really going on.  This is a very common problem.  Being overconfident, apathetic, or uninformed about leadership are generally the causes.  While it may take some doing, maturing your leadership by shedding any remnants of an authoritarian style is well worthwhile.  Let go of any need to be the authority figure and you will discover and benefit from the talent and opportunities that surround you every day.

Self-coaching Questions

• Are my people more autonomous—or more dependent on me—as time goes by?

• Is my priority as a leader to be more of an authority, or a learner?

• If asking, listening, and observing (versus talking and telling) could help me lead more effectively, what do I need to change in my own behavior?

David Peck

Note: Over 100 of these tips appear in my new book:  Beyond Effective: Practices in Self-aware Leadership. Click on the image of the book at the top of this blog for more information.

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Comments

[kim-free ads posting]

In our society we say that the most effective leaders are really the ones who let go of any need to be the authority figure and reach out with their subordinates.The authoritarians definitely don't know what they're missing.

[Hayli @ RiseSmart]

I subscribe to the old saying, "You have two ears and one mouth for a reason." Varying perspectives on any given situation (from people at all levels of an organization) can generate better solutions and create a real learning opportunity.