By Richard Brody
Probably because of a combination of the human aspect of wanting to be liked, combined with a leader's quest for supporters, as well as the often false sense of security that ill - prepared leaders get when others say "Yes," they become susceptible to tending to surround themselves with only people who declare that they agree with them and/ or their positions. The dangers involved with doing this include: a false sense of security because saying you agree and actually supporting you are quite different; true leaders must effectively listen to a variety of points of view, because if they fail to, they will lack the needed empathy and perception to truly lead; they won't get honest or in - depth feedback or suggestions.
1. Nobody always agrees with anyone else on every issue or idea! That is even more true when it comes to the leader/ follower relationship, because if someone is to be an effective leader, he must act boldly and decisively, and carefully examine all relevant issues. One of the reasons that I so often recommend and urge organizations to utilize zero - based budgeting is that it forces the organization to examine every expense as well as source of revenue, and to therefore create the ability to adapt the group to best perform, as well as to have the ability as well as the willingness to evolve. In order for any group to remain relevant and be sustainable, they must continuously evolve and look at alternatives that will better help the group meet its essential goals.
2. In over three decades of working with and consulting to well over a thousand individuals in positions of leadership, I have observed that, unfortunately, most organizations fail to pay sufficient attention to the essential need for true leadership training and development. Because of this, the vast majority of these ill - prepared individuals lack the self confidence and expertise to truly lead, and thus do what is necessary to become a meaningful leader. This often results in surrounding themselves with "yes men," as opposed to the essential composition of one's inner circle, which ideally should be well balanced, and have members who give them a diversity of advice and knowledge. Without honest input and feedback, what they are being told is rarely valuable input or advice, but rather what is often referred to as, "sucking up."
If you really want to lead, listen to a diversity of opinions and points of view. The most valuable input that someone in leadership receives is honest and thorough feedback.
Richard has owned businesses, been a COO, CEO, and Director of Development, as well as a consultant. He has professionally run events, consulted to over a thousand leaders, and conducted personal development seminars, for over 30 years. Rich has written three books and well over a thousand articles. His company, PLAN2LEAD, LLC has an informative website http://plan2lead.net and Plan2lead can also be followed on Facebook http://Facebook.com/Plan2lead
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