So often we are confused by what it means to lead a team.
We think it is about fiery big speeches, painting a picture of the future, rallying the troops to scale that next mountain.
And yes, there are those days and those moments.
We all need to be reminded of our “why” and see ourselves in the great deeds of others, so we can push to new places.
But most days, what matters more is deeply paying attention to people, and turning that attention into actions that further their success.
Noticing what they said, and what they didn’t say, to learn what they need.
Being available for a task that might seem small but that we know is significant.
Anticipating an issue they may not have seen coming, and helping them head it off at the pass.
Continuing to think about them after they’re out of the room, and, later, saying things like, “You know that hard thing we talked about? Can I help you with it?”
Lending a hand to take their 75% chance of success and turn it to 100%—even and especially if doing so doesn’t make “sense” according to your and their job description.
People feel supported when they feel noticed, when they see you devote time and energy to their success when you’re apart, and when you take actions that make them shine.
Talk, in the end, is cheap…and actions, well, there’s a reason they speak so loudly.
