My Dad never had a college diploma, a corner office with a door. Nor did he ever have a fancy title. But I learned a lot from him about leadership by listening to him speak about how he was managed.
“The garbage man means more to me than some CEO.” I understand that. CEOs come and go, but if the trash at the curb isn’t picked up on week, it attracts all sorts of vermin – mice, rats, flies, raccoons. The list goes on.
I once read that communications with employees should be results-driven, strategically focused and speak to the measurable results. It is about telling your team what they need to know to do their jobs and work with customers effectively. Do you know what I say to that? Bullshit.
Throughout my career, I’ve had the opportunity of working with executives while I held various titles. I started as an executive assistant, served as the head for corporate communications and worked with executives who were the president or general managers of a business. In each position, I’ve counselled and worked with executives on their internal communications, never more closely than I was an executive assistant. And, let’s face, executive assistants are the real advisers to any executive. They not only have access to the executive, they have his/her unwavering trust. They have to. Few things can be kept from the executive assistant in order for him/her to the job effectively.
I can say that after working with executives for over 20 years, their communications should never be about business results, but should be about about the people. But, when they stand in front of the group, they tell business results, talk about strategy, and key initiatives. They may provide some recognition, it is usually about a big win.
I’ve worked close enough with these executives that in their minds they know the true differentiation for the business is their people. Yet, they have a tough time releasing that potential. They feel it is more important to tell the “State of the Union” then to inspire the team by painting a vision and building a culture which will sustain the success. Often, it can come across as cold, unauthentic and downright inhuman – another talking head.
I call the type of leadership that inspires and calls out the best in people Blue Collar Leadership TM. Blue Collar Leadership is getting out of the corner office and onto the production floor or walking through the maze of cubicles. Dad liked it when his boss knew how to do his job, or enough to at least give him some credibility when speaking to the team. Those leaders speak plainly and honestly. They were transparent about reality. They don’t call problems “opportunities” – they call a spade a spade, honoring the intelligence and street smarts of the people.
These types of executives build genuine connections and care for the people who get shit done every day. They recognize it isn’t the person who is in the office, but on the floor or pounding the streets who is aware of the issues, potential solutions and is willing to go the extra yard to make it happen. In part, because it will make his/her job easier. Yet, I also believe those are the people who want to help others. They aren’t looking for the next rung up the ladder, they are up and down that ladder everyday, lending a helping hands to others and they make things happen.
Throw out all you’ve read about “executive presence” or fancy MBA speak. Stop talking results and initiatives. Get real. Get honest. Get dirty. Remember, the trash collector is more important than a CEO. Be a trash collector.