Have you ever had a boss that has their hands in EVERYTHING? You respect their mind, their ability, and their passion… but if they interfere one more time, make one more change without you knowing about it, talk to your contacts; messing up existing projects, shares one more change with you at 1:30am or a Saturday afternoon via email while you’re with your family, you’re about to snap?
Perhaps you’re the boss with a million ideas, your brain is always going a thousand miles per hour, and you not only think you can pull of the impossible… you have a proven track record of doing so; all while going at mock speed! In my 5 Types of Leaders, this leader is “The Visionary”. They tend to stand on the mountaintop; have BIG ideas (some great, some good, some not so good) and they have the determination and connections, whether staff or other professional connections, to make it happen. Sounds like a great thing, right? It’s a wonderful mix of vision and tenacity… however, like with anything, there’s a Pro and Concern. The Pro is the impossible keeps being pulled off… leading to unprecedented success, beating and outlasting recessions, revenue growth, and company growth! The Concern can be burning your people out, high turnover, and a dysfunctional; yet profitable working environment!
As a Professional Speaker & Leadership Trainer, I was once asked by a company to provide 1-on-1 Coaching Sessions to one of their top employees. She was described to me as unable or unwilling to delegate, stressed, and disorganized. Long story short, within twenty minutes of meeting with her the issue was clear. Yes, she was not delegating! Yes, she was stressed… and Yes, she appeared disorganized; as the poor woman was close to having a Panic Attack and mentally unraveling… not because she was a poor worker, but rather her boss was continuously making decisions on a whim and sharing the ever-changing ideas and tasks with her all throughout the day… then suddenly changing them again via text messages at 1:30am, 4:30am, then again the following day! “The Speedy Boss” would set the wheels of a deal or task in motion; then have side conversations and make side deals without her or the team’s knowledge or involvement… then she would be responsible for project changes and repercussions! While speaking with, let’s call her Linda, she stated… “How and Why would I delegate anything; only to have to stop and contact six people to re-explain everything six times, when I can just do it myself?”.
This was a tough question to answer! I want to be clear, this situation does not make this Boss a bad person or a bad business person… however, it’s definitely having a negative impact on their leadership and workplace culture. Many times, I’ve seen leaders start a business as a one-person show or small family business… and it can operate in this fashion for a while. In the beginning, it must because it’s only you. When it’s a family-run business… it’s amazing what family members will put up with because it’s FAMILY their life, lifestyle, money, future, and bonds are all tied into the business. However, as the business grows and the company is now hiring “Real People”, Lol… non-family members… this approach, although profitable, can quickly become a quite toxic!
I often warn leaders to be mindful of the word “Family” when referring to their organization. It may mean one thing to you and something very different to others! There are also things my brother, my mom, dad, fill in any family can say to me and do to me that I would be upset about but wouldn’t change my love for them. That’s not the case at work and with coworkers. Vice Versa, they’re maybe things you know you can say or do with family that’s not OK with anyone else or anywhere else. Therefore, let’s be mindful… as your organization and team grows; so must your leadership skills! So, what to do and how to do it when you’re in a Leadership Position… and when you’re the Direct Report?
When You’re “The Speedy Boss”:
Self-Awareness!
Whether you’re in a position of leadership or a leader of your personal life, it all starts with increased self-awareness. Know who you are and your tendencies… if you tend to cut people off when they’re speaking, have ideas late at night and fire of texts and emails because of it, whatever your tendencies… don’t be the last to know it! As “The Speedy Boss” be aware of your superpower to have ideas, your ability to make something out of nothing, your ability to manage through tough times, and make it out the other side!
Also be aware your mind and planning may be moving at a much more rapid pace than others… and as your Team and organization has grown… so is the ship you’re steering. In the past, a shift of idea or directions was as easy as turning a jet ski or motorboat. Now, it’s like trying to turn on a freak’in barge… it’s not the same anymore! There are a lot more people, a lot more small and big conversations that need to be had, and a lot more lives impacted… Be Mindful!
Boundaries!
Yes, you’re the boss and have every right to make the decision/s you feel are best and necessary. Sometimes, your people don’t understand the decision you made was to keep the company afloat, so you can still employee them, or to fend off something bigger they don’t see looming. So… YES, you have every right; as it’s your Team and company. However, perhaps the way you’re making the decision, sharing your decisions, and expecting your decisions to be acted on are unrealistic and potentially abusive?
When a leader has CONTROL of a project, a plan, or situation… here’s my Can Control Formula:
Brainstorm – As a leader, what ideas come to mind to address a concern? Perhaps you brainstorm alone. Perhaps you brainstorm with leadership mentors or your Direct Reports.
Collaborate – Share what you’ve brainstormed with who will be receiving the idea… perhaps it’s your team, client/customer, mentors. Just because it’s a good idea doesn’t mean people want it or want it in the way you desire to provide it!
Decide – Actually decide on what the plan is!
Implement – DO THE PLAN! – This sounds so simple, yet I know you’ve sat in seventeen meetings about the same thing… and nothing’s happened yet!
Collaborate – Once you or the Team have implemented the plan; collaborate again to see if it’s working the way you anticipated… or not!
Fine-Tune – Does it make sense to continue as is, increase it, do something different, or scrap it?
Repeat – This is a process worth repeating regarding success!
Your People!
As a “Speedy Boss” that brainstorms a variety of ideas… you’re going to need a variety of people! Can you imagine if everyone was like you… coming up with great ideas but on to the next thing just as quickly? In other articles I discuss employees with the various professional superpowers. We need employees that can close deals, cross all of the T’s and dot all of the I’s, propel our positive message out to the world, be our muse, follow a script, and more. However, as “The Speedy Boss” one of your most value employees is “The Buffer”!
No matter what Leadership Type you are, you may become more distanced from your Front-Line as the organization grows. Yes, I share how to make intentional and unexpected visits throughout your company, but the truth is… there’s more and more separation as the company grows. Your Managers and Front Line may also tighten-up a bit when you come around. Therefore, every leader, especially “The Speedy Leader” and “The Intense Leader” will benefit from having a Direct Report they can trust, does great work, operates with a natural capacity as a connector (social, engaging, likable, knowledgeable, and people trust) to be their “Buffer”!
“The Buffer” naturally connects with Teams, Managers, and Employees… and you allow them to tell you ANYTHING! It’s like you’re Batman and “The Buffer” is Alfred (Batman’s Butler if you’re unaware). At first glace, this may read in a disrespectful manner… as I’m not suggesting “The Buffer” is a butler. Rather, the opposite… Batman trusts no one more, there is no one that can talk to Batman as directly as Alfred can, Alfred outright challenges Batman, see’s him for who he really is, and sometimes saves the world… or as least Gotham City, by doing so! Batman never fires Alfred and Alfred is the glue that truly holds everything together. As “The Speedy Boss”, who’s your Alfred?
Care For & Reward!
One of the downsides of “The Speedy Boss” is they’re typically on to the next thing before the thing stressing everyone out is even completed! Remember… your company and/or your ideas are YOUR BABY… not everyone else’s; and no one can love your baby like you do! Therefore, your Direct Reports and staff have labored and exhausted themselves bringing your baby to life, saving it, or rescuing it… and when they pull of the impossible… all you send them as an emailed Thank You or a texted Thumbs Up Emoji… NO!!!!
Caring For & Rewarding your team doesn’t mean you need to know every little thing it took to pull off the impossible, but it does mean we need to know enough to properly reward and care for our people for consistently doing so! Years ago, I wanted an App for my business… allowing people worldwide to receive my Leadership Thought of the Month, a question once per week, a quote once per week, and more. I reached out to my Web Team and asked could this be done? Alyse, the Head of the Team and an even more wonderful person, said “I’ve never done it before, I’d like to challenge myself and the team, if you’d pay me in patience, that would be great!”.
As her and her Team worked on it, debunked glitches, etc… I remember receiving the news it was done and my arms shot up in the air and I’ve never felt so victorious! Had I texted a Thumbs Up Emoji… could you imagine their reaction, thoughts, and feelings?
As a “Speedy Boss” you don’t have to know everything, but be curious enough to know what the impossible really cost your people! It was important for me to know Alyse and her Team were up until 2:00am working with a Developer around the world at their 2:00pm!
These are the 4 Keys to leading better as a “Speedy Boss”, but what if you’re the Direct Report or on more of the Front-Line? Here are six things to enhance your Leadership & Work/Life Harmony:
When You’re the Direct-Report or More Front-Line Employee!
- Accept – This sounds harsh, but it’s the truth… accept your boss is a “Speedy Boss”! It has nothing to do with you; it’s the way they are , have been, and most likely will be. Peharps they’ve read this article or other books that could lead to their evolution as leader, but THIS is not likely going to change. Therefore, you can stay and utilize some of these tips or continue doing great work as you prepare to find employment elsewhere… choosing to either stay or leave as an asset and not a liability!
- Suggested Solutions – When “The Speedy Boss” occurs… and he/she will… offer suggested solutions to best tackle the project, how to address tor attack the sudden change, offer a solution to help you best reprioritize, or professionally share your list of current projects/tasks and ask them how they prefer you to prioritize best. You may find they had no idea you were leading so much… you may find out they know and don’t care… either way, you’re going to find out a lot about your boss, your company, and have some decisions to make!
- C.Y.B. – As things change at mock speed with a “Speedy Boss” it may become essential to Cover Your Butt! I’m sure you’ve heard this term. It may mean you CC’ your “Speedy Boss” on all things related to their plans and sudden changes. Many “Speedy Bosses” like being kept in the loop. Those that don’t may be astounded by how much you actually do! Some may not care at all and simply want the job done… this reaction will tell you all you need to know about them and the organization. Perhaps you keep a private file of all you do. When questioned about a project, a change, a mishap, etc… you will have an answer to a question or accusation you would have never been able to remember on your own!
- Connections – As you work for or with a “Speedy Boss” you’re going to come across various professionals within your company, outside your organization, and throughout the world. “Speedy Bosses” tend to think BIG and BIG ideas require all different types of BIG Professionals and heavy-hitters within your industry. Do great work, make positive connections, and be so great that these Connections never forget you and may even want you on their team one day… you never no what the future holds!
- Boundaries – Remember that email your “Speedy Boss” sent you at 1:30am or on Saturday afternoon and you responded to it? You’d be surprised how quickly responding one time can become “The New Norm”. Set boundaries of your working hours, your vacation time, and your YOU-Time!
- Follow-Through – Be sure your work is GREAT WORK! Your name will become synonymous with your work; therefore, do what you said you would do, on time, and exceptionally. When it’s time to be rewarded… either your organization will, another will, or you’ll start your own!
“Caring For and Rewarding your team doesn’t mean you need to know every little thing it took to pull off the impossible, but it does mean we need to know enough to properly reward and care for our people for consistently doing so … Be Mindful!” – Andre Young
Written by: Andre Young
Ready to enhance Leadership & Work/Life Harmony for your people and organization? Click www.youevolvingnow.com to connect, chat, and customize with Andre Young!!!
