Glimmerick

I have heard a similar idea from many sources, and it goes something like this:

When the best leader’s work is done, the people say, “We did it ourselves!”~One Minute Manager

While it seems so basic, it is vitally important when leading a group of people for various reasons:

1. People work harder on projects when it is their “own idea.” Just imagine if you are at work and were working on a project that you thought of– you are going to work harder than regularly to make it work.
2. Now imagine if an idea was shoved upon you, you are likely to work less on the project, and pay less attention to detail.
3. If part way through a project, they end up not liking the ideas, they have nobody else to blame but themselves. This will encourage them to perform better the next time around, since it was their idea

People take pride in their work. They will go the extra mile to make sure the project is completed to the max.


Great leaders are often “behind the scenes” type of leaders. They are not telling everyone what to do, but are encouraging people. They foster ideas, and don’t force ideas upon everyone. Another great quote I like is the following:

The task of leadership is not to put greatness into people, but to elicit it, for the greatness is there already.~ John Buchan

To think that one person has all the answers is foolish.  Harnessing the brain power of the many is wise. LifeDev has 15 Tips for Generating Ideas When You’re Drawing a Blank. Encouraging this type of thinking in the workplace can be valuable.  A simple tool that is highlighted in 6 Tips to Generate Outstanding Ideas and in the book, Getting to Yes: Negotiating Agreement Without Giving In is to have a couple brainstorming sessions. In the first, welcome all ideas, no matter how ridiculous they may sound. These off the wall ideas may inspire others to think of similar ideas that may be more realistic. In the following session, a group can narrow this list down. The value of the first session lies in the fact that it is open to any and all ideas. Sometimes people are afraid to say what they really are thinking in fear of being made fun of.

This entry was posted on Saturday, August 23rd, 2008 at 2:24 am and is filed under Books, Self-Help. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.