As leaders of others, we need to take a lesson from ole Nic and take our own little world out of the center of the universe and put the true source of our power there - the people who, by choice or chance, are following us.
The Copernicus Solutionicus - Stop being so self-centered and get to thinking about your people more.
Some strategies -
* Let your first interaction with people be asking them questions to get them talking about their world.
* Don't make assumptions (which are based primarily on your perspective) and go straight to the information source.
* Ask for help more often. Being the leader doesn't mean you have to know all the answers or are supposed to be right all the time.
* Adapt your leadership style to the situation. Being one-dimensional in how you deal with people is very self-centered.
* Think about the full impact range of each decision you make. As the leader, your words and actions make bigger ripples on the pond.
* Make time to get to know your team members. This will also provide space for them to get to know you.
* Publicly (or privately, depending on each person's preference) celebrate big and small accomplishments. Unlike the Sun, your source of power is not always self-powering. They need you to fuel their motivation and attitude.
* Ditch the Golden Rule and follow the Platinum Rule - "Do onto others as they would have done onto them." (Google Platinum Rule for source - that one's not mine. I would, but I am driving right now and driving while Googling is extremely harmful to the environment.)
* Make personal sacrifices for the benefit of the team. And I mean "above and beyond the call of duty" ones.
* Above all, be your team members' biggest FAN - be Fair, be Aware of others and be Nice.
Processing Questions for PLI Curriculum Teachers/Trainers:
1. What is one thing that you do on a daily basis that is solely for the purpose of benefitting someone other than yourself?
2. Why is it sometimes difficult to put others’ interests before your own?
3. Why is it easy to think only about our own needs and wants?
4. Why is it important for a leader to be selfless?
5. Would you rather be under the leadership of someone who is selfless or someone who is selfish?
6. Who is an example of a selfless leader in your school/ community/ workplace?
7. What does it mean to have a one-dimensional leadership style? And what can you do to develop multiple leadership styles?
8. Name 3 things that you can implement into your daily routine that would help those around you.
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