True Leader Quiz

Read the situations below and think about what you would do before you read my recommendations. 

Situation #1 -- Bill rambled on at the retreat about how the New Year would be the best year yet for the company. But everyone zoned out about 10 minutes into Bill’s 30-minute speech and had no clue what they were to do to make the New Year a success.

Situation #2 – Aaron started the meeting on the new product launch with these words between coughs: “I’m not feeling very well today and didn’t get the agenda out, but we’ll still meet for the entire allotted time.” Fifteen minutes later attendees were impatient as the discussion rambled from point to point.

Situation #3 – Allison laughed and with a dismissive air said: “That is a really silly idea. It would never work. There isn’t one point you made that I like.”

My recommendations:

Situation #1 – The true leader would have created a WOW opening statement full of crystal clear imagery that would make employees see, smell, taste, and touch success.

Situation #2 – The true leader would cancel the meeting. Time is a premium for every worker. Attending a poorly run meeting is a waste of time.

Situation #3 – The true leader would listen carefully and first express to the employee what she liked about the plan before pointing out what might not work. It is important to let employees know what you are FOR instead of what you are AGAINST. This helps to maintain a positive and motivating work environment.