Date: 12/22/2015

Title: GIFTS OF A LEADER – Part 2

By Bryan Arzani

It may seem like a no-brainer to say that leaders can give the gift of a chance to learn something. Yet, often leaders (and employees) get caught in a rut. We have people do the same things. We assign them the same tasks, put them on the same team with the same people. We think they did so well last quarter, why not have them do something similar this quarter?

Because when we have people do the same things, we are expecting the same from them. And, remember leadership is about influence…..we have just influenced them to expect the same thing from themselves. Also, people really do crave learning something new. It helps keep them engaged in your company.

Giving people a chance to develop new skills goes hand-in-hand with the first gift. Repeatedly, in employee satisfaction surveys, this is listed in the top five. Employees don’t want to be static. They want to grow. As a leader, if you give people a chance to develop new skills, both of you will learn something. The employee will acquire a new skill set which can be used on varying projects. This also delivers engagement to your company.

The last gift is hard for some leaders to provide. Many are wary of it. Some don’t know how to do it. The answer lies in the type of culture you’ve created. Is it OK for people to take calculated risks in your company? Do you frame risk-taking as a chance to learn new skills and grow? (see the prior two gifts!!). When risks are taken, and failure occurs, do you discuss it as a learning opportunity?

In this time of giving, focus on your power to influence as a leader. What gifts are you giving your employees?

To learn more about how to practice this understanding, contact Results Group, LLC at www.ResultsGroupLLC.com or 515-330-2866.