to lead or to direct October 22, 2007
Posted by Lance in leadership, learning, web2.0.trackback
“Lead by example”.
“Do as I say, not as I do”.
We’ve heard these quotes a thousand times and as much as we aspire to the former, how often do we fall into the category of the latter?
A large proportion of people that I have trained have commented on how terrified they were when they had to perform in the role for real: the gap between simulation and reality is vast. The advice given in each case is to remember that fear, not to fall victim to it, but to remember it.
One of the harshest accusations levelled against experienced staff and supervisors is that they cannot empathise with new staff: they have forgotten what new staff are going through. In essence, they have forgotten where they came from.
I make no secret of the fact that I am new to a lot of these ‘new’ social networking tools: up until a few months ago, I had only the vaguest idea of what web 2.0 referred to. I am in the same situation as those trainees: it’s a big world out there and I had no idea just how big it was.
In response to an earlier post, Sue made the comment that “the good aspect of extending ourselves is to remember how confront[ed] we feel when we do this - so that we can relate to how our learners might feel.“
Can we ask that our trainees/students utilise tools that we ourselves are too afraid or self-conscious to use and actively demonstrate?
Now that would be poor practice.
At least for the moment, its easy for me to remember where I came from: right here, right now, and the view is glorious.
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Wrote a really great comment and it ate my comment cause I forgot to enter anti spam work. Bit emotional at the moment. RANT. Said so many great words — doing leadership project this year - most important things I have gained - make sure people know what you stand for i.e. believe in - and Walk the Talk i.e. don’t say one thing and do another.
Great aspect of blogging is you reflect deeper and hopefully remember how you feel. Never stop asking the questions of others - something that I am not always that great with - but always important to take the time to find out others issues.
My antispam word is chill and don’t feel like it at the moment.
Hi Sue
I couldn’t agree more, especially with the making sure people know what you stand for/believe in. Too many aspiring leaders believe that you can bluff the walk: unfortunately they underestimate the natural built in “BS meter” that most people have. It’s no good trying to role model a belief that you don’t aspire/adhere to. Few will follow insincerity with any sincerity.
Also, thanks for the twitter link to John Connell’s page: some very simple yet vital concepts there: five minutes reading, but a lifetime of growth.