Leading alone, you can’t really do it. For one, a leader isn’t a leader without people following their path. Second, most long-term business goals are much, much bigger than the efforts of just one individual no matter how intelligent or strategic they are. Big goals require the efforts and diverse talents of a team. I have never climbed a mountain, but I’m pretty sure it requires a good team led by a good a good leader who can chart the course and keep everyone safe. And while there may be one leader, everyone works together to reach the top. Do you really think a team would attempt a climb where only the leader was allowed to progress to the summit? Climbing a mountain is not much different than running a company, getting to the top requires teamwork and pulling together your core team.
Have you ever heard that phrase "it’s lonely at the top?" Well, it doesn't have to be if you are an effective leader. Here are some things I do in my own company to get to the top and to make sure that it is never lonely once I get there:
• Always communicate to my team which way is up.
• Define individual roles on the team.
• Continually plan and re-plan our route.
• Define and celebrate success.
• Have lots a fun on the journey.
I know that this sounds like pretty basic stuff, because it is. You don't know how many times I watch my son or daughter's sports teams and learn lessons that I take back to work with me. That is because it takes the same basic leadership principles to run a company as it does to run a youth sports team, or to climb to the summit of a mountain. You need to chart your course, assemble your team, delegate responsibilities, check in along the way, set milestones and celebrate when you reach them.
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