Over the years, you’ve probably encountered many types of managers in the workforce. Fun, serious, motivating, de-motivating, neurotic, crazy . . . I can go on and on.
But when it comes to effective managers — there are only two types — Short Term (ST) and Long Term (LT) Leaders. Let me explain:
Short Term Leaders are managers who:
Have a total focus on getting things done.
Run meetings like a drill sargent — it’s their way or the highway.
Are admired by upper management and their peers because they deliver results, drive the business forward, and ensure every stone is uncovered to meet the deadline.
Take pride in making their troops move forward and deliver, even if it takes long hours, lost weekends, and ever-increasing pressure.
Meet the targets, provide new clients, or increase the revenue — upper management is very happy.
Long Term Leaders are managers who recognize they are part of a team. They still focus on ‘getting things done’ but deliver it in an orthogonal fashion to the Short Term Leader.
Long Term Leaders see the big picture — they:
Develop and grow their people by providing a learning environment.
Let them work at their own speed — each associate is managed differently.
Regularly motivate them with acknowledgment.
Let them suggest new ideas on how to solve problems.
Have an open-door policy for questions when their people get stuck.
Encourage top performers to help the average and low performers.
Make sure everyone ‘gets on base.’
And what do Long Term Leaders get?
Top performers who stick around. ST leaders frequently have staff churn issues.
Creative associates who think outside the box to solve problems. ST leaders structure the department to do it the same way every time.
A team that works together and helps one another. ST leaders focus on results and break apart any teaming that might impact their management style.
A team who admires and wants to be like their boss. ST leaders scare their staff into submission with their behavior and mercurial decision-making.
The reality? Long Term Leaders still GET THINGS DONE - but they focus on long-term leadership rather than short-term thinking.