In an earlier post I talked about the Leadership Matrix where one axis is “Connector” and the other axis is “Challenger.” I said that a leader who is an “Engager” is one who is strong on both axes. This picture, taken from my Best.Boss.Ever. training, shows the 12 Engager Dynamics in a balance I call the Dynamic Duos (Yes, I was a fan of Batman and Robin when I was growing up!). It’s another way of looking at the Leadership Matrix.
Dynamic Duos
For each Challenge Dynamic there is a balancing Connection Dynamic. Achieving and maintaining that balance is how one becomes an Engager. For example:
If I am going to set expectations, then I had better train my people in the skills required to meet those expectations.
If I equip my people with all the best that is necessary for the job then cultivating an environment where they can grow into the best at the job makes sense.
If I challenge my people by inspiring them with a higher purpose of their work, wouldn’t I want to solicit from them what they’re discovering about how better to do the work and achieve that purpose?
If I set standards of quality and work to raise those standards, then I should recognize the people who contribute to that effort.
If I take the time to evaluate, or show the value, of my people’s performance, building trust in the organization is how that value is acknowledged.
Finally, If I optimize my people’s best skills, love is how I show they are more than a machine to be used.
Yet Another Way of Looking at It
What if the opening of new employee orientation went something like this:
“We will EXPECT a lot from you so we will TRAIN you and EQUIP you. We will CULTIVATE an environment where you can thrive. That environment should INSPIRE you and SOLICIT from you effective ways to QUALITIZE the work and RECOGNIZE those who contribute. We will EVALUATE your work in order to establish TRUST as the foundation upon which you can OPTIMIZE your talents because we LOVE you.”
Wow! If that were the opening of New Employee Orientation at a company I had just joined, I would be ready to engage. Even better, if that turned out to be the way things were at that company, I would never want to leave.