Less is harder than more…
Sometimes less leadership accomplishes more in the long run.
In my college days we were required to read the classic book on writing by Strunk and White, The Elements of Style. It was originally published in 1918. So it looks like we have been struggling with “less is more” for over 100 years! Here is a glimpse of their core principle in writing: Vigorous writing is concise. A sentence should contain no unnecessary words, a paragraph no unnecessary sentences, for the same reason that a drawing should have no unnecessary lines and a machine no unnecessary parts. This requires not that the writer make all his sentences short, or that he avoid all detail and treat his subjects only in outline, but that every word tell.
Minimalist Leadership
- When what you say is refined in multiple drafts.
- When what you say is clear and concise.
- When what you say is congruent with your non-verbals,
- When what you say is overtaken by what you ask.
- When what you say is seen in what you do.
- When what you say stops before micromanaging.
- When what you say is why you hold reports accountable.
- When what you say is apologized for when you are wrong.
Leadership Debrief
Yes I could elaborate on each of these ideas, but I think I said enough for you to make the application. So let’s put words into practice. My words. Your practice. Your leadership. Your impact. It’s your choice…
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Dr. Dick Daniels is Vice President, Consulting Services and an ICF Certified Executive Coach with Right Management’s Florida/Caribbean Region. Dr. Daniels offers Right Management’s clients more than 17 years of leadership development consulting and executive coaching with C-Suite leaders. As a leadership architect he designs customized leadership development frameworks and systems to align emerging, mid-level and senior level leaders with strategic business objectives. As business strategist, coach, adjunct professor, and awarded author, he is a proven resource for shaping a results-focused leadership culture within the unique priorities of each organization.