Thursday, October 23, 2014

The Three Signs of a Miserable Job

I recently finished re-reading The Three Signs of a Miserable Job by Patrick Lencioni and it continues to be one of my most favorite leadership books.  The reason?  Because the book offers simple advice for leaders that works!  And any leader who sincerely strives to live even one of the 3 principles found in the book will find improved results and success as a leader.  So let’s go through the signs real quick.    

The first sign a leader must eliminate is immeasurement.  We all like to be measured or in some way know if we are being successful or not.  Imagine a Superbowl where no score is kept, how interested would everyone be in such an event?  The same is true for those we lead—we all want and need a scoreboard!  If we want people to engage, rally around our cause, and be an active participant in getting results, there must be some form of measuring stick that they themselves have a direct impact on.  Without it, life is miserable. 

The next sign is irrevelance—people are wired with a desire to make a difference and as leaders, we must help them see how they are doing just that.  No matter how small the task or assignment, each person impacts and influences somebody.  As leaders, we must point that out to them and help them know how their specific assignment and work really matters to someone.

The final sign is anonymity or a feeling of being unknown.  Again as human beings we like to be known, especially by those who lead us.  If we are to effectively lead we must get to know those we lead on a personal level.  When we truly know people; their interests, families, likes/dislikes, what motivates them, etc. it shows we really care about them as an individual and our ability to influence increases significantly. 

Not only does the book give great advice but it is also very easy and entertaining to read.  And the other amazing thing is that anyone can do it!  Anyone can eliminate the 3 signs if they want to.  I love this book and encourage all leaders everywhere to read it and work hard to eliminate the 3 Signs for those they lead. 

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