There are many aspects of leadership we could explore. There is project management, strategic planning, vision casting and so much more. All of these are important, but the key is what foundation we use to accomplish these activities. Our decisions and strategies are directly related to our philosophy and values.
One key ingredient in decision-making foundation is how we perceive others. For example, if you perceive others as just another number, you will default to what appears to be best for you. You will overpromise, underdeliver, and cut corners to increase profits. What you promise looks good but there is no substance and eventually the flaws show through.
Some will say why not? While it may make sense in the short term, it will destroy you in the long term. If there is no understanding or caring in the short term, there will be no trust or loyalty in the long term. You may earn a bit more now but will lose so much later. This is true whether you are talking about your internal team members or clients.
When we fail to recognize people as our neighbors, we are not even aware of their needs, we do not listen to their concerns, and we fail to consider what serves them well. Our teams will also begin adopting an apathetic attitude towards there work since it is not making a difference to others. All of these are fatal to effective leadership and will end in a lack of success.
Instead, when we see others as neighbors, it will change the strategies we adopt. We will consider only win/win strategies, be accountable, and will go the extra mile to serve them well. We will choose materials, services and plans that create great outcomes knowing that it will build a sustainable future. Wise leaders recognize this difference and are committed to a long-term strategy. This long-term strategy is based on listening to others and seeking out feedback to improve our leadership, product, and service delivery.
Our leadership also broadens and deepens when we treat staff, vendors, and clients as our neighbors. We develop greater vision, create better solutions, and reach bigger goals. Being a neighbor causes us to learn to be our best to serve them. We don’t want to provide second best to those we know and have a genuine interest in serving.
Let’s strive to be a great neighbor!
