3 Things Leaders Think About
Leaders think differently than their teammates and employees. They are concerned with different things, ponder different ideas and complain about different stuff. Why is that? How is a leader’s thinking different from those who follow, and how can anyone, in any position in an organization, become a better leader?
While that question has been the subject of countless books, seminars, webinars, and courses, there are (at least) three dominant perspectives that all leaders must consider if they wish to achieve the vision of success pushing them out of bed every morning.
#1 - The big picture
Workers are concerned with what they are doing and how they can be compensated for that work. Leaders, no matter what their position is, are concerned with how what they are doing fits into the bigger picture of what the team or organization or company is doing. Understanding how your piece of the puzzle fits – why it exists and what it’s meant to benefit – will give you a competitive and competence advantage your superiors will notice. Why will they notice? Because you realize how your work is making theirs easier, better, or more profitable.
#2 - The consequences of every decision
Every person in every position affects everyone else, but most people don’t operate like they have any idea that’s true. Leaders know better, so they do better. Everything you do, every decision you make, means something beyond the obvious consequences. You might correct one person, but if you don’t set a higher standard for the entire department, that correction dies right there. Same with inspiration and education. Conversely, you might make a mistake that seems to be contained, but, in reality, impacts more than just what is seen on the surface. Leaders recognize this and respond accordingly.
#3 - The bottom line
Workers are fully invested in their job, their progress, and their paycheck. Leaders are concerned with the overall bottom line of the business. They understand the consequences – good or bad – for the entire company when they make a decision. They also understand that most decisions made by other people in the company are not personal. They are based on a greater goal or metrics that determine the company’s bottom line in a way that may not be clear to everyone impacted. Can that be frustrating? Yes. Workers will whine. Leaders will seek to understand.
While it’s true that leaders have other things on their mind, and that these three ideas alone cannot ensure success, there is not one successful leader out there who is not thinking about these factors daily. If you want to join their ranks, you better adjust your thinking.
Jonah Engler is an entrepreneur - who always strives to become a better leader.