Misconceptions of Being a Leader ...

“You get to be so opinionated as a leader.” We have to make split second decisions. All. Day. Long. We, literally, have 3.2 seconds to make a decision for a problem that you brought to us before we have to move along to your peer who is also asking for us to help with their decision-making on a dozen other problems. So, while it may seem like a mere opinion to you it really is that we have the ability to make wise business decisions in a few brief moments as we filter it through a laundry list of scenarios which include but are not limited to … How does this affect the current unit and team? How does this affect the dynamics of company? Is this the right decision for the team? How will this result impact the future? “All you do is sit around and chat while drinking coffee.” While we do talk – a lot – it is because we need to know what goes on in the world of those who work with (and for) us. Sometimes we only get a rare 45 minutes a week to download on what is going on in your world and how we can help. And, I have found, that one opens up much more over Starbucks.

“It is so great to be the boss because it is so easy.” Being the boss means that you have a 24/7 child. You never really get to completely turn work off. When you are driving to work you are mentally talking through a tough conversation that needs to be had. When you are driving home you are contemplating if you completed everything you needed to within your best capacity. When you try to fall asleep you are thinking about everything from the 8 a.m. coffee chat to the 6 p.m. rethinking of tomorrow’s solidified game plan and all that happened in between… only to contemplate that you have to do it all again in a few brief hours

“Why in the world did you hire that person?” We, like you, get a brief 60 minutes (at most) with someone looking for a job. And, 9 out of 10 times they put their best foot forward and have some experience with nailing an interview. So, while someone may interview well does not always translate into a great hire. We, as leaders, have no additional superpowers to fine-tune the BS meter in an interview. Some people just interview extremely well and fail to deliver.

“Everyone likes the boss.” NO! No one ever likes the boss. They say they like the boss – to the bosses face. But, they really don’t. However, at the end of the day, it is not about being liked. It is about making decisions that are best for your team and for your business, which means that, you are, rarely, liked.

“It is so great to be the boss because you can delegate everything.” The higher you go, yes, the more you delegate but it is so that you can make room on your plate to learn something new. True leaders are always evolving. They are never satisfied with where they are. They want the next challenge. In order to do that they need to raise great leaders to take on some of the daily load they carry.

“I can’t wait until I am the boss because _______ (fill in blank here).” Really – you can! It is lonely at the top. Refer to quote #5. For the one decision that makes one person happy there are 10 others that are ready to refute. As hard as it is, leadership is not about being liked (at all!). It is about being respected. Your team should respect that you have a certain knowledge and authority when you speak. Your team should know that, despite losing the popularity contest, you would and will make the best business decision that has their best interest at heart.