The Single Greatest Question You Can Ask

For eight years I've been a principal.  One thing I've learned over the years is the dynamic of Me versus We. 

It's human nature to focus on yourself above all other things, but this can be the demise of a school, organization or family.

Have you ever been a part of a team and you just knew individuals weren't giving their all? Have you ever been a part of a team and thought, "I'm the hardest worker on this team?" 

Sure you have.

I bet these thoughts created resentment, frustration, and anger.
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My biggest struggle as a leader is constantly trying to get the most out of everyone.  

What I do believe is to get the most out of people leaders need to: 

• Reflect.  Analyzing decisions and ways to communicate are a critical part of leadership.  
• Praise and Acknowledge Excellence.  Too many leaders pride themselves in treating everyone equal.  I say, don't hide behind words like, EQUAL and FAIR.  You will never be perfect.  Instead of aiming for an impossible target, I say, praise the people that deserve it. Stop worrying about fair.
• Ask the single greatest question...What can I do to help?
  • I'm a big fan of the Andy Stanley Leadership Podcast.  Andy shares with his listeners this powerful question creates a culture of collaboration.  It is essential that this question goes both ways.  Leaders must ask their staff this question and, in turn, a collaborative staff should ask this of their leader.  Ask yourself, when was the last time you asked this question?
• Check Your EGO at the Door.  Have you ever met a leader or individual that has an answer for everything?  Was this a positive quality?  
  • Early on in my career I thought I had to fix every single problem.  I thought I had to memorize all the standards.  I believed I had to know all the best practices.  What I discovered is that leadership is about honesty, work ethic, teamwork and continuous learning.  The next time you listen to someone spewing BS answers for every question ask yourself if this person has the ability to create a collaborative culture?
• Great leaders find a way to slow things down for themselves and others.  Stress, anxiety and the pressure to perform are real feelings that most people face.  The mark of a great leader is one that understands and empathizes with people.  The leader that knows when to press pause for the good of the organization.  The leader that understands people need to be valued if you expect to get the best out of them.
• Catch THEM in the ACT!  When people do great things (and they will), it is essential to acknowledge and celebrate the act.  When leaders are intentional and take the time to reward positive actions it increases the chances that individuals will do it again.  This is what creates a positive culture.  

People look out for number one first and foremost.  However, most people want to feel as though they are a part of something bigger than themselves.  As a leader, are you cultivating a culture where everyone feels valued, appreciated and motivated to give their best?