Three leadership truths:
1) It’s not about you
2) Everything communicates
3) Help should be helpful
Look at the way Obama is starting up. Look at the way he talks about us and we and not me and I. Look at the way he strives to keep all his actions on message. Look at the way he enrolls others by helping them be successful.
Contrast that the memo Carol Bartz sent out at the end of her first week at the helm of Yahoo earlier this month. Quotes from that memo:
I thought I’d give you a quick idea of how things went for me this week…
My first impression of the Yahoos is that you guys are smart and dedicated…
I wasn’t too happy to see…
I’m pumped up and proud to be here.
I’m going to spend my weekend shopping..
Carol is violating truth number one and making it all about her. She is sending some very scary messages to people. It will be interesting to watch and see if she can adjust or if this is going to make it difficult for her to win others over.
If you are a leader onboarding into a new position, do not do this. If you are helping a leader onboarding into a new position, do not let them do this. Keep those three truths in mind and live them.
George Bradt
PrimeGenesis Executive Onboarding and Transition Acceleration
