If you’ve ever been to a Command Presence class, you know that we are big fans of the Arbinger Institute. They have some incredible material that is worth your time and effort.
One of the things that they stress is the importance of seeing people as people, not as objects. And it’s powerful when you understand how this change in view affects the way that you interact with people. It’s important for leaders to see their folks as people.
But it’s also important for people to see their leaders. Not just as people, but actually, physically see them – in person. In many agencies it is a rare occurrence for administrators to interact with the frontline workers. Covid has made that even more rare. And it has a negative effect.
In his autobiography, Call Sign Chaos, General James Mattis wrote, “But leadership can’t depend on emails or written words. Leaders are not potted plants, and at all levels they must be constantly out at the critical points doing whatever is required to keep their teams energized, especially when everyone is exhausted.”
Our people are exhausted. They have endured an incredible amount of pressure over the past 13 months. They are in need of leadership. Compassionate, empathetic, and personal leadership. They need to be seen and treated as people. People of worth. People that matter.
Leaders do the right thing at the right time. Now is the right time.
