We are thankful when we can help a client. That’s what The Center Consulting Group is all about. But we also love what we learn from them. Over the past two decades, we have met some exceptional pastors, managers, directors, and business owners. Here are eight leadership practices we have seen in some of our most successful clients.
1. Treat people right
It doesn’t take a Ph.D. and extensive research to know that leaders who care, who genuinely look out for those around them, will be more successful in the long run. And we have seen it over and over again in our consulting. Some of the best leaders with whom we have worked treat people right.
2. Courage to confront
This may seem like it does not align with “treat people right." But in reality, the fact that they care about people is why these successful clients are willing to confront unhealthy behavior and inadequate performance. They care enough about the person and the team to not let it go by unaddressed.
3. Recruit talent
Some of our most impressive clients have a knack for finding and attracting talented people. And these leaders not only find and recruit their talented employees – they also invest in them and continue to re-recruit them. When it comes to talent, like attracts like. We have served with some very talented leaders and they almost always seem to have other talented people around them.
4. Take character seriously
Our most effective clients are not perfect. Far from it. Like the rest of us, they make mistakes. They get angry. They have blind-spots. They have bouts of narcissism. But in the midst of these ever-present reminders of their humanness, they do not give up on the importance of character. They remain open to feedback. They correct wrongs. And they humbly ask for help.
5. Seek feedback
It is interesting that those who are the most successful are often also the leaders who thrive on input from others, seeking out coaching and advice. If you asked us to identify only one marker of success seen in some of the best leaders we have worked along-side of, it would be this one, hands down.
6. Trust others
This can be a hard one for leaders. Fear of someone failing or not doing it the “right way” can hinder a leader from delegating. And so can insecurity. But well-grounded leaders push past these fears and trust their people. They give leadership and authority away rather than hoard it. This provides them with the mental bandwidth to continue growing the organization.
7. Take risks
We are amazed at the innovation and courage shown by some of the clients we have served. These leaders are willing to take risks, but not foolish risks. They take risks that are calculated yet without guarantees. They know first-hand that there can be no great wins without the courage to step out and give a new idea a try.
8. Create healthy environments
No organizational culture is perfect. Believe me, we have seen behind the curtain of hundreds and they all have some dirt. However, when we have worked with some of our most successful clients, we see a theme - they do not manifest toxic behavior and they do not tolerate it. In other words, they create a safe space for their people.
Contact us to learn how our experienced coaches can assist you in creating a healthy culture in your organization.
Jay Desko is the CEO of The Center Consulting Group and brings experience in the areas of organizational assessment, leadership coaching, decision-making, and strategic questioning. Jay’s degrees include an M.Ed. in Instructional Systems Design from Pennsylvania State University and a Ph.D. in Organizational Behavior and Leadership from The Union Institute.
