Every day, every employee makes a decision. They ask themselves, “Am I going to do the minimum amount of work possible to keep my job, or am I going to give 100% of my energy and effort in my job today?” …The skill of being helpful is not difficult to master. A great deal of the skill comes from a desire to help and to be of service to others.
Joseph Folkman, Founder, Novations & Zenger Folkman
Takeaways of Note:
A Leader’s “Helpfulness” shown to positively impact other leadership behaviors:
1- Strategic Perspective – helping others understand the strategy and their role in implementing the strategy
2- Inspiring & Motivating – able to get Team excited & passionate about achieving difficult goals & objectives
3- Communicating Powerfully – willing to explain things more than once; and to spoke directly to their audience
4- Developing Others – being concerned about the development of their direct reports; and willing to provide coaching & to mentor
5- Setting Stretch Goals – effective at getting Team to achieve difficult objectives
Impact of “Helpful Leaders” on the Bottom Line (per survey of ~100K managers)
- were more appreciated & valued by their direct reports and seen as more effective
- positive impact on Team retention (lower consideration of “quitting”)
- increased Team willingness to “go the extra mile”