Center Grove

EXPECTATION #3: BE VISIBLE

Here are six key ways to increase your visibility and effectiveness as a leader:

1. Visible Leaders have Vision – Allow yourself to think and dream about the future, and to share your vision and “enroll” others in it. As a visible leader, you must sometimes be willing to lead courageously and honestly, and to take an unpopular stand when it’s the right stand. You should honestly share your own fears and concerns about the future, but follow that by positively saying “There’s got to be a way!” and “Let’s go solve this together!”
   
   
2. Visible Leaders Seek to Build Unity – To increase your visibility, speak up at meetings, and don’t be afraid to share your ideas and opinions and self-interest, as thoughtfully and positively as you can.  Ask questions – even the ones you fear are “stupid questions.” Listen – really listen to others. Submit to and support the majority decisions – don’t “pretend” to submit and then “triangulate” with others after the decision is made. And don’t tolerate those who do. Talk straight – tell the truth with humility and kindness. Address and clear up all conflicts, positively and collaboratively. Show compassion by seeking to understand how others think, how they’re motivated, what their goals are – and how you can help them achieve their goals.
   
   
3. Visible Leaders are Role Models – You need to “lead by example” – by doing what you want and expect others to do. Acknowledge to others your belief you can get better, and don’t just say it, actually work at getting better. Keep your commitments. When you know you can’t, “reset expectations.” When you fall short, be honest and ask for help, admit your fears, and don’t feel you have to pretend you have all the answers when you don’t. It’s OK – visible leaders are also vulnerable leaders.
   
   
4. Visible Leaders Demonstrate Ownership – As a visible leader, you need clear understanding about what aspects of the work you “own” and to provide input and seek clarity on the role you are expected to play. Know what true ownership means and teach others how be good owners, how to seek input on the things they own and provide status updates both proactively and when asked. Delegate effectively and to provide opportunities to others. A visible leader learns how and when to lead, when to follow, and when to get out of the way.
   
   
5. Visible Leaders Set and Achieve Goals – You need to set Big Hairy Audacious Goals (“BHAG”) goals! Stretch yourself and go toward (don’t avoid) the things you fear most. Show others you expect to achieve your goals by sharing them openly. Telling others is what makes your goals “real.” Visible leaders are willing to be held accountable. Break your goals into smaller, prioritized steps and then work on accomplishing that first step today! When (not if) you fall short or lose traction on achieving your goals – admit it, start over and try again. And do not give in to the little voice saying, “You can’t do this.”
   
   
6. Visible Leaders Develop People and Build Teams – Delegate and assign ownership and responsibility to others because you understand how important “hands on” learning is to developing people. As a visible leader, provide feedback all the time, informally and formally. Also be sure to ask for feedback on how you’re doing. And build trust by extending trust to others, and believing in others before they are able to believe in themselves.