Several years ago, my granddaughter and I were playing in the pool. Typically, the pool was full of children, but it was just the two of us on this day. Amidst all the splashing and laughing, she looked at me and said, “Mimi, you’re the best-est ever!” Of course, I smiled but wanted more information. I asked her, “Harper, what does it mean to be the best?” She climbed up the ladder, turned around, and said, “Doing your best every day.” Being four, she jumped back into the pool and continued to play. As a Mimi and a Coach, it made me wonder. What does doing your best every day mean?
As parents, we tell our children to do their best. As leaders, we expect our employees to do their best. After a moment of reflection and a little help from my granddaughter, I realized there are four behaviors leaders can demonstrate to be the best.
1. Be Bold—A bold leader is not about being loud or aggressive but rather about showing integrity, resiliency, and courage. Their boldness sets them apart from other leaders in an organization because they are honest yet respectful. They understand when to speak and listen, using their words to create discovery, not discord.
2. Be Empathetic—Empathy is a critical skillset for leadership. To be effective, leaders must listen and show genuine concern for their employees’ personal and professional well-being. Showing empathy doesn’t require always agreeing; it means actively listening and understanding the situation. By regularly displaying empathy, leaders encourage employees to do the same with each other and customers. Influential leaders are honest yet respectful. They understand when to speak and listen, using their words to create discovery, not discord.
3. Be specific—Leaders must set clear, specific expectations. I am amazed at how many leaders I talk with weekly who don’t understand the importance of setting clear expectations. With no expectations, employees are lost and confused. A lack of direction can decrease employee engagement, creating dissatisfaction and attrition. Employees who work for a leader who sets clear expectations will understand what is expected of them daily and rise and fall on their own merits. Specific expectations create a culture of accountability and commitment to work and the organization.
4. Be transparent—In other words, be true to yourself. Transparent leadership is the foundation of leadership. A transparent leader shows they are human. They can manage frustrations, anger, and even anxiety without fear. Employees will seek a transparent leader and want to work for them, even if they can work in another department or organization for more money. Transparent leadership is open, honest, and forthright. What you see is what you get.
My granddaughter believes giving your best every day is the key to being the best. Showing boldness, empathy, specificity, and transparency is an excellent place to start. Now, take a moment to reflect on yourself. Look in the mirror and ask, “Am I doing my best?”
