Common Sense Leadership

A few days ago, I was speaking with my friend, Mary Mavis, who was also my executive coach back in the 90s. Mary said that she thought my thinking and writing is really "common sense leadership." I had not thought of it that way, and I like it.

Yes, a simple, common sense approach to being an effective leader.

This concept is important, and I particularly want to write about it because many, and I do mean many, people I hear from have issues with their bosses that could be mitigated by simple, common sense leadership. I often hear, "She doesn't help me with my career," "He isn't interested in my success," "She doesn't ask for my opinion or want feedback," "He doesn't share information; he hogs the credit," and the list of issues continues.

We certainly want to be effective in our leadership, to be good bosses. Here are simple, common sense principles to follow.

• Genuinely care about our people
• Ask questions – What do you think? What's your advice? How can we improve? What feedback do you have?
• Be out of our offices, having conversations with our people
• Listen to learn
• Know people's professional goals; they want to do well, help them
• Communicate clearly and often

Of course, it is also important to pay people fairly, ideally pay them as well as we can.

Another conversation I had within the past few days was with someone who is a very fine boss; in fact, he has had zero turnover for a number of years. In answer to my question about how he is so effective, he said he thinks the single most important key is that he truly cares about his people, and they sense that. He also said that we cannot teach this trait, a boss either genuinely cares or she doesn't. It's in her DNA.

I thought about that, and I honestly conclude that I do not think it's true. I know that several of my clients have worked hard at being "more present" with their colleagues and direct reports, have become more interested in what their colleagues think, and are genuinely listening to learn. And, most importantly, they have received feedback that their efforts are well received. I believe practicing these principles has ingrained a very definite desire to demonstrate increased caring on their part.

Yes, we all want to be good leaders, and yes, this is a common sense approach to leadership. And yes, it can really help us!