A Story…And a Leadership Lesson

Leadership lessons are all around us…if we observe, listen and learn. Sometimes we learn from successes; sometimes missteps teach us the most.

The Story

My friend (a mid-level manager) was talking with his boss (the organization’s General Manager) about some accomplishments in his department. My friend was pleased with results from the previous month and he talked about how he praised his staff (giving credit for) the wins. The GM then “coached” my friend (his manager) by saying, “Haven’t I taught you anything. As the boss you get to keep the credit and place the blame.”

The Leadership Lesson

My friend indicated his first reaction (although he didn’t share it with his boss) was, “Are you kidding me? That’s a great way to alienate your leaders and your team.”

I shared a quote from Jim Collins’ book, “How the Mighty Fall: And Why Some Companies Never Give In.” It seemed particularly relevant.

“When things go well, the right people point out the window, giving credit to factors other than themselves; yet when things go awry, they point in the mirror and say, “I’m responsible.”

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