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Leadership Tip of the Month

June 2001

Copyright 2001 ã weLEAD, Inc.

Commitment!

What leaders want and need from others is commitment. This is one’s emotional investment to extend great effort toward the implementation of a decision, outcome or goal. Successful leaders need to solicit the commitment and dedication of others to achieve established goals and the group’s mission. Just how does a leader build commitment among followers and various stakeholders? A number of vital keys are important. We will list five valuable points.

1. Gaining commitment from others is no longer considered a right or obligation. As many leaders painfully learn, you can’t buy commitment from others no matter how much you pay them. Commitment is a building process and it is earned by a leader who appreciates and values it!

2. The enemy of commitment is silence and exclusiveness demonstrated by the leader. Building commitment means open and honest communication. A wise leader understands that most individuals have a natural resistance to change and are suspicious of any idea or concept forced upon them. Commitment is enhanced when the need for change is clearly and patiently expressed and when the followers’ input is respected as part of the entire change process.

3. A friend of commitment is involvement. People feel a greater sense of commitment when they are involved in the decision-making process. Many leaders fear this because they are afraid that others may offer other options or challenge their own thinking. Experienced leaders don’t fear seeking the involvement of followers because they understand the deepened level of commitment far outweighs the potential of a compromised decision. They know that even the most sound and brilliant decision will fail without the commitment of others.

4. Ask for the commitment of others. This can be done by vividly articulating a clear vision, and personally requesting their solid commitment. Don’t take the support of other workers for granted! Let them know how important they are and how vital their commitment is to achieve success. Often times a personal plea will make a big difference in gaining the deep commitment of others.

5. Set an individual example by demonstrating your own level of commitment. Show others that you are willing to do what you ask of them. Commitment is easily eroded by leaders who think they are “above” and beyond” the tasks expected of others. In contrast, leaders who will roll up their sleeves and occasionally share some lower tasks with others win the respect and admiration of followers. By doing this you state to the follower that you value what they do and appreciate their valuable contribution to the organization.

In conclusion, commitment and involving others in the entire decision-making environment is a modern bond. Use open and honest communication to express the need and reasons for change. Deeply involve the followers to help determine how the change should occur. In exchange for their inclusion, ask for commitment as their promise of dedication and support. Commitment is founded on trust, respect and a common vision.

For weLEAD, this is Greg Thomas reminding you that it was Peter Block who wrote,

“People engaged in the redesign of their governance need to commit to act in the interests of the whole organization. Freedom and commitment are in every case joined at the hip.”

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