Last week we talked about the concept of incremental choice, looking at each decision as an opportunity to bring you closer to your goals. Next, we put the concept in the framework of your job search, as a way to keep focused and motivated towards your goals. Today, we tackle incremental choice and leadership.
Leadership is fruitful ground for the idea of incremental choice. Effective leadership includes each of the following, all of which are dependent on the routine, day to day work that you do rather than the grandiose gestures that people typically associate with leadership:
- Rapport. Rapport comes from daily interaction where you show that those around you have value. Taking time to listen, to remember the major details of someone’s life, and to share some of yourself with others. The choice: to brush by people in the hallway or to smile and say hello. To ask someone how they like the weather, or to ask about their children, spouse, pets or hobbies.
- Respect. You have to give it to get it. Respecting other people’s schedules, opinions, work, and more will all contribute to their willingness to follow you. The choice: To see employees as “resources” or “capital”, or to see them as individuals.
- Communication. Leadership is about getting people to buy into the vision, but they can’t do that if they don’t know what it is. The choice: Tell or sell. Instruct or inspire.
- Accountability. High-performing organizations have high standards for all members of the team, including you. The choice: Hubris or humility.
Each choice you make, every day, brings you closer to integrity and effectiveness or farther from it. So ask yourself, what choice will you make today?
photo credit: tx_mattster
Related posts:
- Seth Godin: Incremental Choice and mediocrity
- Incremental choice and your priorities: Get what you want faster
- How to get the job: Incremental choice and job search
- The Power of Incremental Choice
- Personal power and leadership: The Obama factor
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