171: Leaders Who Have R.E.A.L

<p>We love acronyms!  Our workplaces are thriving with them such that we can hold extended conversations composed entirely of seemingly impenetrable codes.  They are handy though and this one R.E.AL. is short and serviceable to describe best practice leadership attributes.  It always good to have evidence around pontification. This summary of the great and the good tendencies amongst leaders is based on research we did in the USA, on what respondents thought leaders needed to do to be more successful.  REAL is composed of these key elements – Reliable, Empathetic, Aspirational and Learner. </p> <p> </p> <p>“Reliable” is an obvious choice and though much upheld in principle, tends to break down in practice.  “Managing upwards” is a buzzword for describing how to deal with one’s boss.  It used to be called “sucking up to the boss” to get ahead.  Climbing the greasy pole meant taking all the glory for yourself, Teflon-like blaming others for mistakes and stepping on the bodies of your staff, to elevate your own brilliant career. </p> <p> </p> <p>Reliable however is an attribute that leads to trust only when the staff observe that what is said is actually done, that promises are kept and that their own personal development is being given a high priority.  “What is in it for me” is a common human frailty.  Bosses who keep this in mind when making sure the organisation and individual goals of their staff are aligned, get more loyalty and more accomplished.  Misunderstandings arise, usually traced back to poor communication.  More work need by bosses!</p> <p> </p> <p>“Empathetic” is closely linked to listening skills.  Taking the viewpoint of the other person is difficult if we don’t know what that viewpoint is.  The Japanese expression <em>kuki wo yomu</em> or summing up the real situation, is a great phrase to explain emphathy.  What is being said is important but more often, what isn’t being said is where all the insight is buried. </p> <p> </p> <p>Busy bosses though don’t have much time to get below the surface calm