You're A Leader: Act Like One

Not too long ago, I came across a story that really annoyed me;

 

After being tasked to accomplish a project on short notice, this leader was told the good news that they met the deadline and that we should thank the team who completed it. And the epic response…”Why should I thank them for doing their jobs.”

 

I had to actually pause for a moment…

 

The leader said what?

 

So it was not in this leader’s nature to say, job well done, appreciate the help, good to hear that, or simply…thank you? It’s not really the most difficult phrase in this world. Is it? It’s not as if this leader was being asked to say it in other languages; Xie Xie, Merci, Danke, Grazie, Ariga tou gozai mas, Muchas Gracias, or we would have settled in our very own dialect, Salamat.

 

There are many interpretations and traits of what a good leader is; leading by example, showing the way, nurturing others to become leaders, decisiveness, integrity, humility, just to name a few. And it was General Douglas MacArthur who claimed that, “A true leader has the confidence to stand alone, the courage to make tough decisions, and the compassion to listen to the needs of others. He does not set out to be a leader, but becomes one by the equality of his actions and the integrity of his intent.”

 

Even though the general was a tough S.O.B., he knew about compassion and equality among ranks and how it affects the morale of his troops.

 

Employees are not robots; so as leaders, it’s not about pushing the right buttons, it’s about getting to know the people that actually run the business and ensuring that they remain happy working with the company. In my opinion, the simple gesture of recognizing the efforts of employees can already boost their morale. (It does not even entail any operation cost.) Letting people know that they are indeed doing good in their jobs and thanking them for doing so, will encourage them to be more efficient and eager to take more responsibilities. This is already a primer in breeding future leaders.

 

(If leaders are arrogant, disrespectful and condescending, and instills fear among the ranks, what kind of culture would that company have? What type of leaders would rise through these ranks? This particular leader should probably watch the Godfather, in order to understand that Respect is earned not given.)

 

So going back to the story, even if the task given was part of this team’s job description, I am totally lost as to where this leader’s compassion compass is pointing or maybe this leader’s gratitude GPS has a connection error.

(Get your bearings straight comrade.)

 

And to answer the question, why should you thank people for doing their jobs?

 

Let me ask you this, if they don’t do it…will you?

 

 

Thank you Great Leader