What makes a good leader?
In search of the answer, I’ve read books, watched videos, and observed teams. In my latest attempt to answer the question, I interviewed skip-level managers and their peers. After 11 interviews with Googlers in management/leadership roles, I have some new answers. I started each conversation with 3 questions. 1) what are your thoughts on leadership 2) what is your leadership mindset and 3) what’s in your leadership tool kit. The questions sparked a lot of discussions which led to more questions and more conversation. Here’s what I’ve learned.
Prioritization
Prioritization is king – you can’t do it all. You have to prioritize so that you are spending your time and attention on the things that would have the most impact. The urgent/important matrix is a tool that can help you decide on which of your tasks you should do, schedule, eliminate, or delegate.
Decision Making
Leaders often face seemingly impossible choices. There is no clear cut “right” answer. In those situations, the best you can do is understand the consequences and balance the tradeoffs between the options you have in front of you. What are the ramifications of option A, B, or X? Which of those will provide the most benefit and cause the least amount of harm? Choose that option.
Knowing yourself
Have a firm grip on who you are and be authentic to that person. People can see through someone putting on an act. Also, be comfortable with stepping into leadership styles that are not your default setting. Understand which leadership style you gravitate towards and be comfortable with switching to a different style if the situation calls for it. To do this you have to have self-awareness and social awareness and respond appropriately at the moment.
Knowing your team
Pay attention to the people who report to you: make connections, remove obstacles, facilitate success. Each person is unique. You have to understand that and suggest/assign tasks and personalities accordingly
Knowing your business
Understand the industry you are working in. Where has it been? Where is it going? Never stop paying attention and looking for opportunities that will give you insights to make better decisions.
Knowing your customers
Have a firm grip on the customers who support your business. Prioritize customer meetings, listen, ask questions, and understand their needs
Doing what you love
Self-explanatory.
Leadership tools
These are some leadership tools to add to your tool kit.
- Priority matrix – to prioritize effectively
- Leadership styles – to understand your leadership style and others’
- True colors – to understand yourself and your team
- SWOT – to understand your business
- Customer interviews – to know your customers