If you’re reading this on your desktop, laptop, or mobile device, I think it’s fair to say that you have a rich and even privileged life as compared to most of the world. And yet, with all of our abundance we have become a selfie society.
And look, I get it. As humans we are self-absorbed beings. If you think you’re not self-oriented, think about the last time you saw a picture that was taken of you with a group of friends – whose face did you look for first? Yup. Thought so. Me too.
But the thing is, if you want to be a leader, everything is not about you.
I heard this analogy somewhere and I think it’s true in sales, service, AND in leadership. I want you to think for a moment about a shepherd’s job description. Okay, I must admit that in all my years working and leading in HR, I never came across a job description for a shepherd. But we can imagine what those duties would look like, right?
A shepherd’s job is to take care of the flock of sheep. He guides them where they need to go, providing sustenance along the way. He guards the sheep and protects them from their greatest predator: the wolf. So basically, the shepherd serves the sheep. Got it?
Many people don’t like selling or leading – and they aren’t good at it – because instead of approaching their work like the shepherd, they’re approaching it like they are the WOLF. This scary leader is intense, demanding, and powerful. It’s almost as though she is trying to conquer or defeat each customer or team member. The “wolf” as a leader creates an environment of intimidation, fear, and stress.
The shepherd, on the other hand, takes an approach of service. The “shepherd” leader sees his role as responsible for guiding each of his team members, tending to their learning, growth and success, as well as to their well being.
Two completely different approaches, right? And I promise you, each style will create a completely different work environment and culture. The “wolf” leader will create a culture of compliance, whereas the “shepherd” leader is much more likely to create a culture of commitment.
Which do you want? Mere compliance? Or true commitment? Well, I don’t know about you, but I’d much rather have a culture of commitment, where team members are engaged and have ownership of their work, than someone who’s just going through the motions because he has to.
Still not buying it? Okay, imagine that you need to have a major surgery. Do you want the surgeon who’s really committed to eliminating the spread of germs, or do you want the surgeon who’s just complying with the rules – going through the motions of scrubbing up?
To be a true leader, change your focus and make it Less ME and more WE. When people see that you’re sincerely interested in them as a person, and not just focused on what they can do for you, they will actually be drawn to you.
Shepherd leaders – influential leaders – make others feel good about themselves. People want to hang out, to be around them.
But of course, you have to keep it real. Be sincere and authentic. You don’t want to be a wolf in sheep’s clothing!
Be sincerely interested in others. Develop a kind of curiosity about other people. And always look for ways that you can focus less on ME and more on WE.
Servant leadership is at the heart of influence, and influence is at the heart of leadership, sales, service, and literally, business success.
So if you want to sell to others, lead others, or create an engaged team, the best thing you can do is to forget about your title and power, quit making it all about you.
Remember the shepherd and make it all about them.
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Jennifer Ledet, CSP, is a leadership consultant and professional speaker (with a hint of Cajun flavor) who equips leaders from the boardroom to the mailroom to improve employee engagement, teamwork, and communication. In her customized programs, leadership retreats, keynote presentations, and breakout sessions, she cuts through the BS and talks through the tough stuff to solve your people problems.
