‘Leaders Must First Give in Order to Receive’

As human beings, leaders are as prone to emotionally short-sighted decisions as anyone else, at least at times. They can go so far as to convince themselves that the right thing is unnecessary.

Ashton Underdahl talks about one such situation. She is the founder and leader of Cadre Coeur Consulting and the author of Leader Most Loved: Inspire Productive, Loyal Teams... and Become a Leader Worth Following.

I asked her about what happens when a particular leader doesn’t really care that they are not loved and that their mindset is that people need to stop being so soft: We're here to be adults, professional, work well together, sacrifice together, accomplish goals, achieve the ongoing mission and benefit financially.

AU: Love in business is a combination of respect and rapport; two things that leaders must first give in order to receive.

There is nothing soft about this kind of love in business because being reliable feels safe. Expectations demonstrate boundaries. Rapport makes relationships and simplifies communication and these qualities make a team.

A team is a business community that is strong, thorough and dependable. If you are a respected team builder, you will be a loved leader, whether or not you are inspired by the word “love.”

You may read my book and think, “I am not this kind of leader,” but that’s not what matters. What matters is that you are…someone your team can relate to.

Be a demonstration of your company’s vision. Be accountable. Delegate. Be the one to act. Lead by example. Give credit where it’s due and when it’s due to you, pass it on to your team.

That will make you a loved leader. Soft has nothing to do with it.