The Mentor | #47 | Evaluation
Each month, I share 3 things I've read on skills, careers, and personal development.
“Of all the things I’ve done, the most vital is coordinating those who work with me and aiming their efforts at a certain goal.” - Walt Disney
Someone said something to me recently that I can’t stop thinking about. We were talking about different leaders in business, what makes a good one, what makes a bad one, how can people improve, etc? And, this person said something eloquent: Evaluating a leader requires looking at their Intent, Content, and Style. Not just one of them.
Intent
Does the person embody the right values, strategic direction, and hope for the future? Each of these items represent their intent, as irrespective of how things get done and when things get done, it is an indication of what will get done and why. Intent is a powerful thing, and can only be gleaned by consistent observation.
Content
Does the person know what they are doing and are they focused on the right items?The job is ultimately about understanding the problems, knowing how to solve them, and investing for the future. Each of these items together comprise the ‘content’ of a leader.
Style
Does the person have follower-ship? Are they doing things precisely how you want (many times that won’t be the case) or are they doing things in their own way (yet effective)?
Why do all these dimensions matter?
1- I’ve noticed that people tend to focus on Style myopically, and while that is an important aspect, if the Intent and Content are right, we should be open-minded on Style.
2- If someone has the wrong Intent, I would argue that neither Content nor Style can overcome that. Alignment is the most important aspect of a winning team, and if Intent is misguided, there will never be alignment.
3- No one is perfect and evaluation will always be about assessing the right balance across these factors.
1
Shibumi is a Japanese expression that is not translateable: it’s a personality of overwhelming calm. One does not achieve Shibumi, one discovers it. It is eloquent silence and understanding rather than knowledge. It’s something to consider in a leaders style.
2
Rushed intent rarely leads to a good outcome. Intent requires taking a step back, to really understand what is important. Be patient. Mediocrity is the price you pay for impatience.
3
Content comes from experience, which tends to come from bad judgement. A leader can only polish their Content by listening, learning, and processing. Alone.
Rob this is brilliant! Contributing to make a difference! This is absolute brilliance.
Rob, fantastic edition of The Mentor on - pace, active patience and importance of solitude for leadership. "Idea of true leadership - being able to think for yourself and to act on your convictions". So many instances where I have seen people jumping to action (action bias) without adequate thinking around it, Think->Action->Outcomes (from The Opposable Mind by Roger Martin )