on lean culture, transformational leadership, and entrepreneurial excellence
Should you focus your energy on the leaders around you or the anchors?
You only have so much time, energy, and focus. The squeaky wheel gets the grease, right? Well the anchors are usually the squeaky wheel. But energy invested there is wasted. I explain the difference and why in this latest video in our Cultural Transformation Series.
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Jamie Flinchbaugh helps individuals and companies execute to their ideal state.
He is an entrepreneur, speaker, author, executive coach, consultant, husband, and father.
{ 4 comments }
Jamie,
Great points. You have to spend a little time on the anchors – after all, they may change, but you’re right to focus more time on the leaders. What I’ve seen is the 80% in the middle are waiting to see who “wins” in the change game – the leaders or the anchors, because they can go either way. By spending too much time with the anchors one runs the risk of disenfranchising the leaders, and they move on – sometimes to other organizations!
Spend more time with the leaders, and help them help the organization pull away. The anchors will either get on board, or find another ship to weigh down!
Glenn
Your point reminds me of something I read once about the foolishness of spending all your energy trying to improve your own weaknesses. The author contends that it’s far better to work on your strengths, because the payoff is much greater in the long run.
Excellent points. I agree with Glenn that more time should be spent with leadership as long as leadership isn’t the anchor. If it is then you might be in a bit of a pickle and will have to go above their heads.
Ankit
http://theleanwayconsulting.blogspot.com
Great video message. I just read the book Execution by Bossidy and Charan and they support what you are saying. The leaders are the ones who get things done and make a difference for the future. Many times anchors will slowly follow once the organization begins to move. The book is worth the read.
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