I spent a day with a group of leaders last week, and one of our topics in management was walking around. Each person was given an assignment to go do it daily for a week and journal about it. Only a third of the class did it, but those who did had some great stories of what they heard and observed.
The rest missed an opportunity. If you believe in people-centered leadership and the basic belief that people work harder when they feel cared for/listened to (and when they care about/listen to the people around them), then showing up is what you do – always. Do any of these statements reflect your commitment to show up?
- You show up for potlucks or any event organized by your team around food
- You show up at wakes and funerals
- You send hand-written notes when there is a birth, death, or marriage
- You walk around the office routinely, with the single goal to listen to and learn what your people are thinking about
- You tell people what you are thinking about – both celebration and sorrows
- You show up at the fundraisers your people care deeply for
- You show up in the lunch room/break room and talk
- You complete evaluations on-time
- You show up for one-on-ones, or reschedule quickly
Showing up always starts as a physical presence. When it is done well, at some point it moves to a more emotional presence. This is where agape love kicks in. What is agape love? Read about it in People-Centered Performance.
I lost my father a couple of weeks ago after 90 years of life. As I thought about what I admired about him as a father, the top on the list was he showed up. Once I was challenged by a coach that showing up was not enough. I believe he was wrong, because when we show up consistently relationships are changed. When I look around at broken friendships, failed leaders, dysfunctional teams, and lonely people – it always seemed to start when someone stopped showing up.
I hope somebody writes the same thing about me someday. What about you?
Why don’t you try management by walking around for a week or so. Be part of the 33% that get it.
When you are ready – why don’t you try parenting by walking around and marriage by walking around?
Listen . . . Lead. Repeat often!
