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.
Leadership is learning. And it takes an open, mature person to perform their roles, remain authentic and align with the company’s goals and values.
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