From Subordinary To Partner

Ken Blanchard said, “Face the fact that your people already understand that you don’t know everything.” (p. 53) in Simple Truths of Leadership: 52 Ways To Be A Servant Leader and Build Trust, Making Common Sense Common Practiceby Ken Blanchard and Randy Conley. I could name you a handful of people who call themselves leaders who have not faced that fact. In fact, I’m not sure they know they don’t know everything. As a person who is comfortable being the dumbest person in the room, Simple Truth #19, “No one of us is as smart as all of us,” reminded me how important it is to surround ourselves with great and creative minds and then actually listen and appreciate their input.

When we work alongside each other, recognize each other’s strengths, and hear each other ideas evolve and progress ensues that would be tenuous when done alone. Blanchard pointed out that there are self-serving leaders who have no idea what their people are capable of and that they are capable of much more. Or, as I have experienced in the past, won’t turn you loose to do the things that play to your strengths. We must remember that “everyone’s contribution is needed and appreciated” (p. 53). Don’t let your best people leave because they want to be a partner and not a subordinary person.

Byron's Babbles