Winning as a Rising Leader

Summary

In this video, leadership insights are shared for those entering new roles. The focus is on building trust by prioritizing the needs of others, starting with understanding their concerns. New leaders are encouraged to offer short-term plans, with an emphasis on people, culture, and systems. Key leadership principles such as vision, values, and accountability are highlighted as foundational. Additionally, the importance of asking personal, insightful questions to connect with team members is discussed. Ultimately, great leadership is about making others feel valued, listening carefully, and supporting those you lead to unlock their potential.

Takeaways

• 😀 Focus on the team first: In a new leadership role, prioritize understanding and addressing the team's concerns before sharing your own plans.
• 😀 Short-term plans build trust: Start with a 30-day or 7-day plan, focusing on learning and observing, rather than over-promising long-term goals.
• 😀 Leadership basics matter: Focus on vision, values, people, culture, systems, and accountability as the core components of effective leadership.
• 😀 Vision gives direction: Every leader needs a clear vision to guide the organization, helping it move forward intentionally.
• 😀 Values drive behavior: Establish and reinforce the organization's values, as they shape the actions and mindset of your team.
• 😀 People are key: The strength of your organization depends on having the right people in the right roles—prioritize building strong teams.
• 😀 Culture influences success: A strong, positive culture can correct wrong behaviors, while a toxic culture can undermine success.
• 😀 Systems drive results: A system is how goals are achieved. Strong systems enable effective execution and can prevent failure.
• 😀 Accountability closes gaps: Ensure clear accountability to align intentions with actions and help achieve organizational goals.
• 😀 Get to know your people: Ask personal questions to understand your team members' values and stories, which builds trust and connection.
• 😀 Leadership is about service: The best leaders focus on helping others feel valued and important, not on showcasing their own achievements.

Q & A

What is the key to starting a new leadership role successfully?

The key to starting a new leadership role successfully is adopting a 'you-focused' approach, where you prioritize understanding your team, addressing their concerns, and building trust. Instead of overwhelming them with long-term goals, it's important to share a short-term plan, showing your commitment and direction without over-promising.

Why is it important to lead with a 'you-focused' attitude when starting as a new leader?

A 'you-focused' attitude is important because it helps address the uncertainties and concerns of your team. By putting their needs and questions first, you ease their fears, demonstrate empathy, and show that you care about them. This builds rapport and trust, essential elements in a successful leadership transition.

What should a leader focus on in their first 30 days in a new role?

In the first 30 days, a leader should focus on listening, observing, and assimilating information. Instead of launching straight into grand strategies, they should focus on understanding the team, assessing the culture, meeting key individuals, and gathering insights that will inform future decisions.

Why is it recommended to have a short-term plan when taking on a new leadership position?

A short-term plan helps set clear, achievable expectations for the team while allowing the leader to build trust. It's important not to overpromise, as you may not yet understand all the dynamics. A simple plan, such as meeting key individuals or assessing the culture, ensures a manageable start and demonstrates a commitment to action.

What are the core elements of leadership that should be considered when taking on a new role?

The core elements of leadership to consider are vision, values, people, culture, systems, and accountability. These elements guide a leader in shaping their approach to leading and managing, helping them establish direction, align with values, understand and develop their team, and ensure systems are in place for success.

How do vision and values influence leadership effectiveness?

Vision provides direction and purpose for the organization, ensuring that everyone is aligned and moving toward the same goal. Values shape behaviors, guiding how decisions are made and how people act within the organization. Together, vision and values create a foundation for effective leadership.

Why is 'people' emphasized as the most important aspect of leadership?

'People' are emphasized because the potential of any organization depends on the strength of its people. Having the right people in the right roles is crucial for success, as they shape the culture and systems within the organization, ultimately driving performance.

What role does culture play in an organization, according to the speaker?

Culture is vital because it dictates the behaviors and attitudes within the organization. The right culture reinforces positive behaviors and discourages negative ones, shaping how people interact and work together. A strong, healthy culture can make or break an organization.

What are the benefits of conducting employee interviews as part of a leadership transition?

Employee interviews, such as those where leaders ask about personal stories and values, provide a deeper understanding of the individuals within the organization. This approach builds trust, uncovers valuable insights into employee motivations, and helps leaders make informed decisions while also demonstrating genuine care.

What are some effective questions to ask when conducting one-on-one interviews with employees during a leadership transition?

Effective questions include: 'What's something unique about you that shaped who you are?', 'What's something you're most proud of from the past year?', 'What's the best compliment you've received at work?', 'What's something your previous boss never asked you that you wish they had?', and 'What's the best way for me to earn your trust?' These questions help uncover employees' values, strengths, and desires while building rapport.