Leadership Success

Nothing undermines a leader more quickly, or more thoroughly, than the leader looking to claim all of the credit for success for himself.

Recognition is one of the cornerstones of Winning Culture, but when we look to claim all the success for ourselves, rather than giving it to the people who actually achieved the success, then we are really undermining that culture.

When we do this, basically we are saying I did this all on my own, I didn’t need my team, whilst we might not say this explicitly, this is  exactly what our teams hear.

Leadership success is all about helping our teams achieve greatness, it’t not about the leaders individual contribution.

Recognition is a powerful motivator, when used correctly it will drive our teams to go the extra mile, push a little harder and achieve a little more.

So when we  not only withhold recognition, but keep it all for ourselves, then this becomes a massive de-motivator.

Why should our teams do anything more for us. In fact I have heard people say, the next time the leader needs something they can do it themselves as they will take the credit anyway.

Now as leaders we are losing our followers, and pretty soon we will be all alone, and a leader without followers, isn’t a leader.

When it comes to recognition, as a leader it truly is better to give than to receive, and definitely better than taking.

I think that this is down to a lack of self-confidence in the leader.

Everyone knows the importance of leadership, so even if you give 100% of the credit for success away, some of will still come back to you, and you will retain the support of the team.

It always amazes when leaders do this, but it always a sign of a bad leader.

If you want to be a successful leader, then give 100% of the credit for success away.