Check, check, check this. This is Marty's Minute Audio Podcast. Whoa! One of the challenges of being a leader is getting the most out of your people.
As the pressure mounts to maximize productivity, we have to be careful how we accomplish this goal. Through the years, I have observed a number of leaders and bosses that manage their people in a variety of ways. The one thing that has stuck out to me is the difference between a true leader and a boss. The distinct difference is the way they treat their people.
A true leader is demanding of his or her people, trying to get the best out of them while treating them with respect and dignity. A boss, on the other hand, tends to be demeaning and abrasive while pushing their people. We've all had that boss that told us, if you can't get it done, then we'll find somebody else who will. A leader is someone who provides guidance and support when a teammate is struggling to hit a goal or complete a task.
They're there to help find out what the obstacles are and then work towards a solution together. This does not mean a leader does not demand or expect success, but a leader treats each person with the respect he or she deserves. Seth Goden writes, great leaders in world-class organizations, hire motivated people, set high expectations, and give their people room to be remarkable. I believe that if you are demanding and not demeaning, you will find success in whatever you set out to do and your people will truly become remarkable.
Until next time, I'm Marty. Make every minute count.