GODLY LEADER MOMENT #4 (Boss and Buddy)

…Now before the feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the Father, having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end… JOHN 13:1

…Don’t get too close,…there’s a fine line between you & your people, …keep your distance, …you can’t be a friend & a boss, etc… These are commonly spoken and widely accepted management myths heard when people speak of the workplace and a manager’s relationship with their people. Managers say those things and maintain the status quo. Leaders know it is just management-thinking; and therefore grow, build & improve these relationships! Leaders know their success depends on the quality of these relationships.

Because so many people have seen this fine line-concept caused by manager’s abusing their authority and position, it has come to be accepted in management circles. It is found in management-theory courses and most anyplace you see management taught. Not HERE my friend; I don’t buy it for a second – I’m teaching LEADERSHIP & RELATIONSHIP! I believe this mentality comes from managers who practiced favoritism, abused their roles, not holding all equally accountable, taking advantage of people, promoting on friendship, etc.

If you are a leader or trying to become one, realize this – your success is going to come from them (your people). What kind of leader would YOU perform for the best? What leader have YOU worked for the most effectively? Of course the answer is the one you had the best relationship with, right? We speak of the importance of relationships among team-members and how dysfunctional teams are when relationships aren’t good; but the leader needs to keep his/her distance?!? This dynamic frequently comes up in Leadership Development coaching, consulting and training. My response is consistently, …don’t fall into that way of thinking; work on developing relationships with your folks as tight as possible... When you create comfort, trust, respect, great communications and a desire for people to want to be there with YOU and the others……great things happen. The result is awesome productivity, loyalty, low turnover and believe it or not, people looking forward to coming to work. When the leader cares about his/her folks, is there for them outside their job; wants to support and help them with troubles; and even socializes with them AFTER work, etc – now we have a great family-like relationship.

Now of course, there can be issues and risks, but not if YOU the leader do things right! If fair expectations and accountability happen with everyone, these issues don’t exist! The problem is NOT about this buddy & boss concept & debate,….it’s about YOU the leader, and your leadership! I have indeed worked with and coached great leaders who would not go there as I am describing! They maintained this ‘fine line’ and wouldn’t let the relationship exist outside the workplace. It’s just my opinion they were limiting themselves & the potential of this relationship.

Jesus broke bread and spent countless hours teaching, socializing & continuously improving the relationships with those he led. The Word speaks to developing a personal relationship with Him. Shouldn’t the ULTIMATE LEADER’s leadership be our guide?

God’s best to you my buddy AND friend, BOOKER