Being nice is not enough. If you’re a leader, don’t become so focused on compassion that you lose sight of competence. This is a hot topic and I need to explain this with some perspective as I’m not suggesting leaders should be heartless, results-driven machines.
Empathy is important. But we have to remain focused on effectiveness.
One of my great sources for insight into this topic is Julie Diamond – Ph.D., executive coach and international leadership consultant.
Julie notes, “We’re focusing on building better humans in the (leadership) role, but neglecting the role the human needs to occupy…as a manager, teacher, parent, coach, or consultant, your first duty is to your role, not to your team, your people, or your colleagues.”
I work with leaders in the mining industry, and you can imagine the ‘larger than life’ personalities within that field. A large industrial setting does not allow leaders a ‘pass’ when it comes to justifying their behaviours/approach because their role demands more within the organization and its overall goals in the marketplace.
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