leadingtoday.org
Leadership Tip of
the Month
September 2005
Copyright 2005 ã weLEAD, Inc.
The Proper Use of
Authority
Business authority is traditionally defined as “the power to enforce
policies, exact obedience, command, determine, or judge”. But authority not
only conveys power, it also conveys responsibility. A servant leader knows that
the misuse of power is a sure way to alienate others and stunt an
organization’s growth potential. It is often the approach a leader takes
to get work done that can either lead
to failure or success. Leaders with an inflated ego and exaggerated perception
of self-importance are prone to demand and drive others to achieve stated goals
or tasks. Servant-leaders use a different and far more effective approach!
Since a servant leader looks upon their power as an opportunity for service to
others, the authority they have makes them “first among equals” and not
superior. Here are some valid and tested ways to properly use authority to get
things done…
1. Make polite and clear requests. Ask for
what you need done in a respectful way that reflects how you would like
to be approached. The original “golden rule” applies here and others should be
treated like we would like to be treated. Forget the modern version of the “golden rule” that states…he who has the gold
makes all the rules. Do you like to be treated rudely or tersely? Do you like
to be demanded to do something and
given limited or unclear information? Of course not, and leaders should always
treat others in a way that sets a powerful public example of respect and
appreciation. Treating people with an arrogant or demeaning attitude is not
acceptable and will guarantee that others will simply “go through the motions” but
refuse to put their heart or best efforts into completing any task.
2. Explain the reason for the request. You may
think you don’t owe an explanation to anyone, but offering one will provide
greater reason for the task to be completed promptly and correctly. Often, the reason
a task needs to be done also provides valuable information on how to perform it! It will also give
others a guideline on the urgency of the request. For example, to ask...“Please
complete this report for me. I need it for a Board meeting tomorrow morning at
8:00 AM”, conveys the correct message that the report is needed for an
important meeting, and must be completed before tomorrow morning! Don’t take
the approach that implies… do this because I say you should do it”. If you get
to the point where you feel you need to do this, you have far more serious
problems than this monthly tip can address at this time.
3. Follow up and answer any concerns or
questions. Doing this will show your
concern that a task is completed effectively and also give others the ability
to ask some new questions that may arise. However, don’t come across like you
don’t trust others or you are trying to micromanage everything they do!
Also avoid trying to make them a clone of yourself. Don’t expect them to take
the exact approach or use the same skills you would. They are an individual
with unique skills and talents. The goal is to guide them to use their talents to achieve exceptional and
positive results, not to create an exact duplicate of yourself. If you are
asked a question, provide a clear and detailed answer and be sure to ask them if you answered it to
their satisfaction.
4. Show sincere appreciation for a job well
done! Don’t miss an opportunity to tell someone when they have
effectively completed a task. Many leaders make the mistake of saying to
themselves, “that is what they get paid for”. Even though that may be true, the
best method for keeping people motivated and willing to take on new complex
tasks is to take the time to show gratitude
for quality work. It may be just a few words with a warm smile, a brief memo, a
pat on the back or a small gift. Most people want to do a good job and please
others with their work. They also want the fulfillment that comes from their
hard work being recognized and appreciated.
For weLEAD, this is Greg
Thomas reminding you that Henry Ward Beecher once said, “Hold yourself
responsible for a higher standard, than anybody else expects of you”.
On
the weLEAD Website you will
find over 70 other free helpful leadership tips. They are all available in a
text version or as an MP3 audio!