Most executives approach the corner office with good intentions: they want
to lead effectively, be fair, articulate goals, and motivate their employees
to follow them up any hill. But too many get blindsided along the way
because they lose perspective. Loss of perspective is one of the greatest
landmines you can trip over and one of the most dangerous leadership
vulnerabilities.
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Here are some important tips for maintaining your perspective about your
power, your impact on your employees, the way you are seen by others, and
the influence you wield.
- Sizing Up the Team: Find ways to signal appreciation for your
employees’ efforts, like celebrating birthdays and anniversaries. Beware
of the two major traps new bosses often fall into: hiring weak staff
members, and bringing in a member of the team who doesn’t "fit" with the
company’s culture.
- Overstepping Boundaries: Don’t make the mistake of choosing a staff
member to serve as a confidante. Instead, pull together a personal Board
of Directors from outside the company.
- The Unanticipated Pitfall: Beware of unpleasant surprises that can
come from places where you least expect them: from above.
- Avoid Out of Sight Oversight: Since not all of your subordinates may
work in the same building as you do, it’s essential that you maintain
your perspective about everyone who reports to you. When you manage
outside offices, show up on-site unannounced.
- One More Look in the Mirror: Be aware of your own biases in dealing
with staff. Always remember that the last time you’ll ever hear
completely honest and undistorted information about what’s going on in
your company is the day before you start arranging those pictures of
your family on your new desk.
You have the challenge of creating an environment that invites high
morale, low turnover, consistently peak performance, and a reputation for
integrity and fairness. Remaining vigilant and learning how to spot
potential landmines will help you avoid derailing your career.
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