Because I signed up for a mailing about “working smarter”, I received an e-mail from a sponsor with 7 tips about being a more effective leader. I normally don’t take action on these mailings, but this one seemed interesting. The including page is right here: Turbocursus Slim Leiderschap, door Jeroen Busscher. It’s in Dutch, but I’ll share it anyway.
7 key aspects of leadership
Busscher emphasizes the following. In order to be a smart and effective leader: make others responsible (don’t instruct), facilitate their needs (don’t motivate), ask questions (don’t give answers), show interest (don’t be an example), trust (don’t coach), inspire (don’t think) and be lazy (don’t work too hard).
What if you’re not a leader
Not to worry. You’re the leader-type but not always in the position to lead. So what do you do? Depend on others to be the leader? No, of course not. Take leadership by being a follower.
Be a smart follower
- Take responsibility, don’t follow instructions. You’re here to think yourself, don’t let others think for you.
- Find your needs. What do you need to perform better? Ask for it. Not granted? Ask again.
- Question. Do not ask questions, just question everything. Don’t follow the path that others laid out – question what others find normal.
- Be interesting. Love what you do. If you don’t, stop and go looking for something else. Be in pursuit of your interests, surprise yourself.
- Trust yourself. You’re the one who’s capable of doing this, not somebody else. Don’t worry, you’ll be fine.
- Be inspired. Did the greater things come to you when you’ve asked for it? Brilliance is just around the corner.
- Don’t be productive. Be effective. Working 60 hours a week will get you somewhere, but doing the same in 30 gets you further.
Now, be a dear and kick ass.
