Leaders View You as an Asset not a Liability

I was talking with a young professional, and they shared a story of the challenges that came when their company acquired another. In the corporate world, this is commonplace and the actual negotiation, no matter how arduous they are, will still be much simpler than what comes next. 

In this case, the larger company who acquired the smaller company, had to make the difficult decision on where they will cut staff due to duplication of positions and activities.  This consolidation led to the departure of an established leader who was highly regarded by team members.

No explanation was given to the team on why the long-term employee was the sacrificial lamb to build unity going forward. The VP showed up, made the announcement, and finished with “it’s just part of the corporate world.”

Wow!

This right here is why I write, share, and engage organizations and people on leadership. It’s why I am committed to helping others create an IMPACT Culture where #LeadersLead because culture cannot be delegated.

It seems like we are experiencing a leadership crisis where too many “leaders” are granted a title instead of earning the title. I write about Invisible Leaders who spend time putting together the Vision Statement and posting the Values on the wall, but don’t live them in actions or deeds.

People as Assets or Expenses 
Places where “Leaders” tout that “people are our greatest assets…” That is a true statement but not how they intend it to be heard. In reality, it is the cost of people that is deemed an asset - an asset that is viewed as a cost and easily eliminated instead of as a value meant to be cherished, invested in, grown, and allowed to flourish.

These same “leaders” give voice in times of financial crisis to the value of employees.  If they can “buckle down” and find cost savings, “we” can pull through this together. As they sit on high, watching disconnected from those on the floor, insulated from the repercussions of the compounding bad decisions they have made and the years of poor leadership. 

Servant Leadership 
I am a huge proponent of Servant Leadership. My mentor shared with me the book, The Way of the Shepherd, early in our relationship and I have worked hard trying to live up to those expectations.

Ironically, in the organizations where the Invisible Leaders operate, they often talk about servant leadership being the way they lead, but their actions tell a completely different story.  In those organizations, the shepherds who not only guide the flock, but also protect the flock, are often sacrificed in fear of the wolf who roams in the shadows on the edge of the field. Sowing seeds of doubt through politics and self-preservation. You can’t blame the wolf for their natural tendencies to prey on the weak, it’s what they do.

The sad reality is that oftentimes the flock that is being protected by the shepherd will turn a blind eye to the sacrifice due to their fear of the wolf. In a way, you can’t blame the sheep for being sheep, for if they were leaders, they would be the shepherd.

Leaders Lead
Ultimately, it comes down to a simple question; are you seen as a leader by your actions or for your words? By your deeds or by your posts?

If what I have written sounds familiar or has made you uncomfortable because you now have questions, reach out and let’s talk. It might be time to take a step back and assess your situation. You need to understand the role you are playing and how you are impacting your team.

​As leaders, we need to commit to our own growth if we are to be successful leaders. But the reason for the internal focus is not to create a greater impact for you.  Leadership is never about you, but about those you are entrusted to lead. We need to focus on ourselves so we can make an impact on others. We use an internal focus to make an external impact.

Choose to be a visible leader by your actions and deeds. Make that external impact that lasts Beyond Today.

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