Connecting Part 3: Leading Down

How are you doing in leading up, across or down? We’ve been focusing this week on key areas to improve from John Maxwell’s The 360 Degree Leader book.

Here are some things to consider when influencing those you that report to you.

How to Lead Down:

1. Walk Slowly Through the Halls - Plain and simple: it is your responsibility to connect with those you lead. Slow down and spend the needed time in their world, not just yours.

2. Develop Your Team Member as a Person - Discover the dreams and desires of your team and help them truly know themselves as a person, not just as a skilled worker.

3. Model the Behavior you Desire - Your behavior, attitude, character and example determines the success of those you lead. It is your responsibility to lead by example.

When thinking about leading others most of the business world puts the emphasis on the responsibility of those that report to you. The responsibility is actually on our shoulders as leaders. As we are, so others will be.

Leading down is truly empowering up.

If you would like to take an assessment to see how you are doing in this area go to www.360degreeleader.com.

Posted on February 19, 2010 in Personal Growth