"Off With Their Heads" and Other Leadership Techniques

Throughout history we've witnessed maniacal leaders who ruled with obsessive power.  Ranging from Hitler requiring complete adoration and a blind faith following to Genghis Khan and others who autocratically reigned without mercy.

Remember the Queen of Hearts in Alice in Wonderland whose every command was "off with their heads.?" A rather brutal response as opposed to  searching for workable solutions, not to mention anything resembling common sense.

Understanding the power of authority and learning how to use it is not training many of us have had. Many professionals  lead with a "me" instead of "we" mentality, often keeping subordinates busy with long "to do" lists of meaningless activities while keeping an obsessive sharp watch on all details. This not only applies to an office environment, but can leak over into relationships and parenting.

Many of us have been in places of leadership where projects, successes and outcomes depended on our controlling things along the way. Or so we thought. Holding tightly to the reins gave the one in charge a false sense of security. Instead of dictating orders  with one person controlling the movement; collectively stating the desired results, setting up the conditions for positive outcomes, defining boundaries, enlisting others and allowing the process to flow, has a higher chance for success than the constant  micro-managing many feel they have to do in order to guarantee victory.

In order to let go of the control, you have to trust. Sometimes we hold on so tightly because fear steps in preventing us from letting things take a natural course. The Law of Attraction states  any energy you give something  will attract more of the same. If a project is surrounded by fear and control, negative energy laced with those qualities will be present throughout the process. However if it is cloaked in positive, trusting feelings encircled by the vision of success, that is what you will get.

Emerging leaders know that to ensure achievements:  proper conditions have to be created, events and details need to be framed positively with clear parameters and then you can step back and let the magic  happen. Allowing everyone to have input and share in the outcome promotes pride and ownership in every project.   

Strong leadership requires no power tripping authority figure and no one has to lose their head, figuratively or literally. Cooler heads prevail as leaders adopt a more holistic approach and rely on the wisdom within each person, including themselves.

Becky Arrington guides individuals and businesses to discover their purpose and live authentically. Whether you’re a company looking for innovative ways to lead and engage employees or an individual trying to prioritize, reduce stress or decide what you want to be when you grow up, learning to accept and thrive in change is key.




Dear Reader,
 I love feedback and welcome yours. This site can be a bit particular when adding comments on my blog, please use these easy instructions to post yours.

•  Click on the small word "comments" at the bottom of my post
•  Post your comments, you may sign or not sign, your choice
•  Select profile "Anonymous"
•  Click "Publish"
•  Complete the security question, then click "Publish" again

Of course if you have a Google account and want to publish via that, you are welcome to.
Thanks, Becky

As a Leader…. Do You Strike the Match or Put Out the Fire?

Organizations have fire starters: those who escalate issues causing havoc and drama in the process. They also have fire fighters: people who scurry to find a way to pacify, implement or solve emergencies.  Regardless of the position, it costs the company and everyone involved lots of time and money.

 My issue with many businesses, especially large ones fraught with multiple layers of management is that a simple dictate from a high ranking exec may start out as a "when you get a chance" kind of comment, but later turns into a " fire drill" as it's passed down the chain of command. Sure there are honest critical crunches when all hands on deck is imperative to meet deadlines. But in the corporate telephone game, since these directives are rarely formalized or written down,  confusion or others' interpretations often drive a normal delivery time into needing it yesterday. It can also happen through some self-serving manager along the way trying to look important by claiming the item is "hot" and needed ASAP by the executive who casually mentioned the detail in the first place.  In the meantime schedules are juggled, meetings and tasks are postponed in order to attend to the now frantic issue. Gaining momentum as it circulates through the organization, very few people push back or even consider going to the original source for clarification.

As a leader, communicating and yes, even formalizing requests with clear due dates can make a huge difference regarding time, energy and profits. It keeps everyone on the same page and gives realistic priorities to the work at hand. Using this process, if a situation arises that truly is needed STAT, it will get the necessary immediate attention. An executive's awareness of the requests put forth and how they are implemented  is essential to keep an organization running efficiently. Although you can't keep your finger on the pulse of all the issues, at least know the ones you've initiated have been clearly communicated with realistic deliverables, directions and expectations.

 Those in an organization who regularly spiral assignments to frenzied levels, are just fanning the flames. The world will not end if every project does not have priority status. Don't cry wolf, save those matches for a real crisis when you'll need to light a big fire.

Becky Arrington guides individuals and businesses to discover their purpose and live authentically. Whether you’re a company looking for innovative ways to lead and engage employees or an individual trying to prioritize, reduce stress or decide what you want to be when you grow up, learning to accept and thrive in change is key. See if her Leadership Development offerings could help you or those in your organization be more effective.