Create More Winners

To become a more effective leader, you've got to be intentional about helping your team members win.

Remember - your goal as a leader is to create more leaders.

If you're a people leader, and you don't know what winning means to each person on your team, you've got some work to do.

When you know what winning means to them, you can connect that to your goals and the organization's goals. This will help you paint a more comprehensive picture and gain faster buy-in.

In my 25+ years of leadership, people respond well, and their performance improves when the leader takes the time to understand them deeply and connect what the person wants to the work.

Here are some questions you can ask to go deeper.

The answers to the questions below might connect to a core value they hold, a secret desire, a fear, doubt, or insecurity.

• What would you like to be doing 1 year? In 3 years?

• What excites you most about that?

• What lights you up about your work?

• What frustrates you most about your work?

• What did you want to be when you were 5 years old? Why?

• How can we partner to create something we've discussed today?

Here's an example of how to connect what you've uncovered to something you need.

Hi [Direct Report], you mentioned that you want to create a not-for-profit in the future. I have a project that involves working with a not-for-profit senior leader. This project will give you more exposure to people in that space. Does this interest you at all?

In this example, you've spoken to something they want; now, you can discuss what you and the organization need.

I hope you found this helpful. Leveling up your leadership requires courage, and you can be courageous. 

Be more you.

Shermain