There is a sign on the verge of our complex.
I hate this sign.
It says:
NO! Skateboards, trespassers, hawkers...
What a nice word to see as you enter our complex... NO!
I understand that the sign is functional, but I feel that far too often we stipulate what we can't do, or what's not allowed rather than what's possible.
Imagine the sign read:
YES! To community, fun, hospitality, peace and comfort. That's the kind of complex I want to live in!
Like our complex, most teams, companies and organizations have a "sign" - a set of rules - of how we are supposed to conduct ourselves. I believe that such rules are absolutely essential, without them there would be no structure.
But think about your team's sign.
Is there a big NO!?
Or is there a big YES!?
We seem to be so picky about the negative and this limits us from empowering those we lead to flourish in their unique styles and strengths. Our job as leaders is to develop others, to show them how to maximize their gifts and reach a common goal, but all too often the approach used is one of control.
We want to tell others how they should act, how they should work, how they should dress, when they must arrive and leave. Again, as leaders we have a huge responsibility to prevent chaos. But in essence our job is to empower, not control.
Think about the language we use in our corporate culture. Are we controlling or inspiring? Saying No or Yes? Stipulating what we can't do or what we can do?
Simon Sinek, author and speaker, has what he calls an Allowed list for his team. I found this inspirational. His list is as follows:
You are allowed to:
1. Make the decision you think is the right decision to make
2. Start something that needs to be started to help advance the cause
3. Ask for help whenever you want it
4. Help others whenever you can (even if they don’t ask for it)
5. Take time off to do something that inspires, excites and energizes you
Everyone is expected to follow these rules and everyone is expected to hold the others accountable to them.
Imagine if leaders developed a list like this? Imagine if we developed a culture that empowers rather than controls? I think our teams would be transformed!
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Don Muller has spent the last 4 years working into corporate and church leadership development and training both locally and internationally. He has a passion for and works towards seeing individuals live out their strengths and calling daily.