How to Strengthen Weak Leadership

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People-pleasing motivates weak leaders. Fear of people prevents weak leaders from addressing tough issues before they escalate to crisis. Weak leaders inevitably weaken organizations.

Weak leaders:

Prefer needy people.
“Instead of confronting individuals they confront the whole team.” Brad Lomenick, author of, “The Catalyst Leader.” Brad said he’d been guilt of sending an email addressing an issue when everyone knew it was just one person.
Help too soon. Struggle strengthens – Ease weakens.
Gossip and complain behind closed doors where it’s safe. Gossip is cowardice.
Dance around hurt feelings and neglect organizational advantage.
Cover up rather than expose. Whiteout is their favorite product. I checked and they still make a product, sometimes called liquid paper, used to cover up mistakes.
Avoid tough conversations. I’ve found saying it is easier and more effective than hiding and stewing.
The challenge of family style culture:

Brad Lomenick indicated family culture is way more attractive than traditional corporate culture to young people. But, during our conversation, I realized weak leaders struggle in family style organizations.

It takes more courage to work in relationship than to perform in isolation.

It’s too easy to neglect hard stuff in a family culture. Brad said you have to communicate more, not less, in a family culture.

“Over-communication prevents assumptions.” Brad Lomenick

Finding strength:

Strength emerges when organizational interests align with personal interests – the stronger the alignment the greater the strength.

Strength and courage elevate organizational interests. The day what’s best for you isn’t what’s best for your organization is the day maximum effectiveness ends.

Weakness and fear prioritize self-interest.

Strength emerges when you seek the best interests of others. Every tough conversation, for example, must be motivated by the best interests of all involved, including the organization.

Check out the great list of leadership W’s on the Leadership Freak Facebook Page. While you’re there, add leadership X’s for tomorrow’s post.

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