Google the definition of leadership and one that you will find is “leadership is creating a way for people to contribute to making something extraordinary happen”. This happens to be from a book called “The Leadership Challenge” by Kouzes & Posner. It gave me chills when I first read it!

How does that definition make you feel? If you are a leader; does it excite you? Does it bore you? Maybe it makes you strive to want to do better? Does it bring to mind goals you had when you first started managing people or leading a team? Wow, a chance to make things different. I know I can do it better than my predecessors, you thought.

Maybe you don’t feel like you are a leader and the definition is laughable? “Yeah, right! The only leaders I have had have made my life miserable.” Perhaps you know an extraordinary leader and think the definition is apropos.

Wow, endless possibilities with this one. How well do you fit the definition?  

Do you create the extraordinary? Does your team create the extraordinary?

If you don’t, maybe you can give it a go for a day or a week or two.

Here are a few ideas:

  1. Reach out to a couple of your top customers. Let them know how much you appreciate their business. Ask them if there is anything you can do to make their experience better. When was the last time one of your suppliers reached out to you and let you know they appreciated you?
  2. Ask your employees to do the same thing. The intent is just to let your customers know you know they exist and you appreciate the relationship. Ask a couple of your employees what you can do to make their jobs a little better? Ask them what is frustrating them. Really listen. Evaluate their comments and implement what you can. If you can’t give a counter-proposal and implement that.
  3. Suggest your team sign up for some volunteer activities. Maybe you can read to seniors or juniors? Maybe volunteer at a local soup kitchen? Find out what is available in your area and go for it. What a great team building exercise!
  4. Follow some of the greats and give your employees opportunities to create the extraordinary. “FedEx Days” are a great example of creating opportunities where your employees can “show their greatness”.
  5.  Give your employee some feedback on their performance outside of the regular performance appraisal cycle. Let them know all the reasons you appreciate them.
  6. Ask your employees for feedback on your performance. Ask them what two or three things you can do to be a better leader. This will be tough for some of you. Whatever the feedback, take it without judgment and implement reasonable suggestions.

 This list is by no means complete. What have you done to create an extraordinary experience for the people you lead? I would love to hear what you have to say.

None of these ideas are earth-shattering. All of them are free or very inexpensive. You don’t necessarily need money to create the extraordinary. All you need is a desire to make a difference.

Thank you for reading.

Julie

www.leadershipexcellencecenter.com

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