Are you an open person? Well, of course!
We’ve all learned not to ask closed-ended questions like that in interviews. The right answer is obvious and gets us nothing in the way of knowing the candidate better. But just how truthful are we with ourselves when we ask this kind of question?
Throughout the past twenty years I’ve discussed, studied, and observed the characteristics of the kinds of leaders that will use business systems like The Hire Effect, the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS), and Open Book Management. I speak of these people as Enlightened Leaders. They’ll embrace processes like 360 degree reviews, Appreciative Inquiry, World Cafe, and Employee Stock Ownership Plans. They’ll implement benefits that include liberal vacations, flexible hours, and mental health days.
Now… are you an Enlightened Leader? My experience infers that you likely are not. My informal three year survey says that of the business leaders here in Michigan, only 5-10% of them are Enlightened Leaders. The deeper the discussion over the years about the distinction Enlightened Leader, the more respondents chose smaller and smaller percentages.
The good news is, if you are here reading this, your chances of actually being one are up!
Defining Characteristics of An Enlightened Leader
Here are the five defining characteristics that Enlightened Leaders embody. Read each characteristic closely and think about why each is important to the day-to-day operations of your enterprise, for the satisfaction you get from your own work, and the success you have in achieving your business goals.
Enlightened Leaders:
- Gather a team and truly empower them to build a great business
- Are never done evolving
- Encourage personal and professional growth for others
- Commit to process for consistent results
- Transparently hold their Self responsible and accountable
These people aren’t arrogant. They are driven to engage and inspire because they know the genius is in the group, not just in themselves. As Antoine De Saint-Exupery said in The Little Prince, “If you want to build a ship, don’t drum up the people to gather wood, divide the work, and give orders. Instead, teach them to yearn for the vast and endless sea.”
Enlightened Leaders lead with a carrot not a stick. They are likely intentional servant leaders. They believe deeply that people want to do good work. They provide the vision for the future and then do whatever it takes to give their teams the support, supplies, and space to get the job done.
The Silver Bullet
Talent gravitates to Enlightened Leaders. If there is such a thing as a silver bullet for attraction, recruiting, and retention of skilled people, it is this. Construct, reinforce, and get better at your own practices for being an Enlightened Leader.
Asking again… are you an Enlightened Leader? What are you doing to become masterful? What everyday practices do you have to ensure you have the right people surrounding you?
Let us know what you are thinking. Enlightened Leaders aren’t lone rangers.
####
Miche Rayment is the Founder and Chief Facilitator for The Hire Effect™. The Hire Effect’s clients are Enlightened Leaders. Read more about this concept and more in The Hire Effect™ | Hire for Culture and Skill.