leader | The Caleb Barney Collection

On promoting a leader

Hire leaders for what they can do, not what they have done

People are usually capable of doing much more than they currently are. And if we give them responsibilities and authority, many of them will step up to the challenge.

When looking to move someone into a leadership role, first look at their character. Then look to see if they have the respect of their peers. Finally, ask yourself if you believe they can be the leader your team needs (with some guidance and direction). Do they have the ability to succeed in this role? If they’re not quite ready for it right now, will they be soon or can we help them grow into it?

If they pass these three “tests” then they should be considered for the position regardless of whether they have the most experience/seniority. Sometimes experience helps, but sometimes it can stagnate things.

Lastly, if you are hiring someone, promoting them, making them captain of a team, etc, don’t micromanage them. If you believed in their ability to get the job done, let them do it. Did they earn the job or not? Provide tips and constructive criticism when needed, and make sure they know they can go to someone when they need help. But you take away their authority when you micromanage them (others see it and eventually lose respect for their new puppet leader).

Leadership and development

“The way to develop the best that is in a person is by appreciation and encouragement.” – Charles Schwab

If you want to bring out the best in people, you must work on how you communicate with them. Here are some quick tips:

Be firm, but fair.

Be gracious.

When they do something good, reinforce that behavior by praising them for their effort.

Show your appreciation for them and provide encouragement.

Help them develop a growth mindset, not a fixed mindset.

If they haven’t done something right, it’s a learning experience, not a failure.

They can get to where we need them to be with the right attitude, practice, and learning from their mistakes (and the mistakes of others).

Occasionally, you may need to push them a little. People like their comfort zone. But if they want to reach their full potential, they will need to go outside of it.

Hold them accountable. If they say they’re going to do something, check in with them to make sure they’re on track to complete it. If they need help, you can help them brainstorm, but don’t just give them the answer. If you do this then they will always bring their problems to you and not try to think of solutions on their own.

Not all readers are leaders, but all leaders are readers

“Not all readers are leaders, but all leaders are readers.” – Harry Truman

Why do you think this is? Well, it’s because if you’re taking the time to read, you’re doing the following:

⁃ Working on self-improvement/learning…books are condensed versions of life lessons taught by others more experienced than yourself (or at least with different experiences than yourself). If you can read about someone else’s failures, you do not have to suffer that same hardship and can propel yourself to greater heights more quickly.

⁃ Making your mind work…a lazy mind will not go far in life. Reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body.

⁃ Dedicated enough to read when you could be doing something easier (like watching tv or napping). Those with enough dedication, determination, and will-power to do what they know will help take them to where they want to go are far more likely to succeed.

– NOT all readers are leaders partially because it also depends on what you’re reading. If you’re reading romance novels, that is less likely to translate to a position of leadership compared to if you’re reading a book on business, relationships, leadership, parenting, etc.

Expectations when at the top and at the bottom

These two sayings are slightly related, but are coming from opposite ends of the spectrum.

The first is a slightly modified saying from Shakespeare. “Heavy is the head that wears the 👑 ,” refers to the weight of responsibility that one feels being the leader.

This saying can also be interpreted as having so much expected of you when you’re “at the top.” In sports, you can see this at the team level when the opponents bring their “A” game to every matchup of the previous season’s championship winner. The defending champs have to bear the weight that comes with high expectations.

The other quote is from Gary Vaynerchuck. He says that “being underestimated is a gift.” In this case, you don’t have expectations from others placed on you and your responsibilities may be limited. Take advantage of this because you are able to work in the dark. It’s so much easier to exceed expectations and to impress when you are underestimated.

Being underestimated is a gift. Stop trying to convince, just execute.

Regardless of where you are in this spectrum (the boss/leader wearing the crown or the new employee starting at the bottom of the totem pole), put on your blinders and go to work. Focus on what you can control and execute that to the best of your ability. If you do the right thing long enough and consistently enough, eventually you can work your way to the top.

Risk-taking to stand out

You must be willing to take risks in order to achieve something extraordinary. Even if it is the risk of failing, of putting yourself out there, of not being accepted or of people mocking your views, if you don’t risk showing your unique self, you will never stand out.

Don’t try to “blend in.” You’re unique. You have unique thoughts, abilities, and mannerisms. Embrace your uniqueness. Follow your interests. And don’t be afraid to show your true self, or else you risk disappearing into the crowd, not standing out from anyone because you don’t stand for anything.

Realize that not falling in line and doing what everyone else says/does may make some people feel uncomfortable. Some people will dislike you for your ideas, others will be envious of your success. But if you stay true to who you are and what your values are, you can go to sleep easy at night, all while achieving great things.