Too many CEOs, entrepreneurs, husbands, managers and do-it-yourselfers think we have to have all the answers in order to lead.
We’re fixers. Present us with a problem and we will tell you how to fix it. You probably don’t even have to ask us — we will volunteer the answers, because we want to help. It validates us as a leader. We believe in order to be a leader, we need to know the answers and be in the business of fixing things. As men especially, we are drawn to the process of fixing things.
There are two issues with this line of reasoning:
- You probably don’t need to be fixed, just listened to.
- Leading is more about listening than most of us care to admit.
So what do we do with this? How do we move from fixing leaders to leaders who, truly listens? I’m happy to offer some “fixes” for your consideration:
- Learn how to listen — that’s right, it takes practice like anything in our lives.
- Try not offering solutions verbally. Write them down and send them later.
- Journaling — a personal journal — is a must for growing. Write down and reflect on your specific challenges of leading and listening. (If you need a journal or idea book, send me a note and I’ll shoot you one).
Too many of us (especially men) are trying to fix things when we really need to lead…. ahem, I mean listen.
