Leading people is toughest job you can ever have.

They say there are three major breakpoints in life.
When you get married, have children and when
you have to lead people.

Being through all of them I believe leading people is the toughest one.

Here are my observations on leading people:

Lead by example and be consistent

Just like with raising kids, your people will not do what you tell them but what they see you doing.
You need to live what you preach, otherwise you don’t earn their respect and they will not follow you.
You want them to work hard, they need to see you work hard.
You want them to grow, they need to see you growing.

People follow person, not position

Don’t assume that with the position you got people will automatically follow you. They don’t care about positions.
They need to see and feel leader in you regardless of your position.

Different approach for different people

There is no “one size fits all” approach to leading people.
Some need friendly chit-chat, some are fine with facts.
Some need couple drinks together, some don’t need to.
Find out and behave accordingly.
Obviously, regardless of approach treat everyone the same.

Business first

I was always on friendly terms with all my people. Tried to help them grow and with everything needed on and off the job.
Still, just because you had couple beers last night, you can’t accepts job is not done or deadline met.
Be friend but don’t forget your and theirs responsibilities.

Be yourself

I read hundreds of books, been to many trainings.
Was even trainer on leadership myself.
But all techniques, all knowledge can’t replace “you”.
They don’t need perfect leader, they need genuine “you”.

Give credits – take blame

When something goes wrong, take blame.
I tend to say “we” instead of “you” in these situations.
Eg. “we forgot to do this” or “we should’ve done this differently”.
Point here is to make sure people learn from this for next time but don’t become defensive. Smart people will find themselves in “we”.
When things go good give credits. This is time for “you”.
Give all credit to people. They need it to get energized and motivated.
You don’t.