Leadership Not By A Bulletized List

I observe this a lot. Long lists of do this, do that, try this, here’s what you need to do today. Sometimes there are good tips or nudges embedded in those lists. Lists are great for managing todo’s and tasks to “get shxt done”.

I use lists a lot. I love the feeling of checking things off the lists. However, believing that we can develop and perform or help others improve by offering lists is highly misguided-especially with it comes to leadership and coaching others. The skills and behaviors listed (social media, books, news articles) are frequently 99% random and not packaged in a way fit for human consumption, retention and application.

Leadership is a systematic process-not a list. There are over 50 competencies and 24 strengths of character. If we were able to be exceptional leaders by using a list, we would ALL be incredible leaders. Think about that.

Now, if you want to use a list ground in a personal assessment or personal development plan that has clearly identified a personalized for you growth roadmap, then do that.

The system I use with clients is designed in a layered and integrated manner that provides a pathway to development and maximizing leadership and team interactions. It builds on itself through the training. It’s not randomized.

We are in a world frequently seeking the easy way through the challenges and development. A just do “this” world. There rarely is a do “this” and lists make it easy and tempting to publish and attempt to use to seek quick gains. Quick gains don’t always translate to sustained gains.

Use lists for your daily task stuff, not for becoming an exceptional leader or helping your team maximize their skills and talents. .

If you want to discuss more on this topic, please do reach out.