One of my realizations (both working for leaders and serving
as one) has been that all of our actions should be about doing things FOR
people, rather than TO them.
This is an important realization, as at times, leaders may
see themselves as the means to an end, rather than a step towards a means to an
end.
Being directive certainly has its place in organizations,
but it can’t be the only place that a leader goes to.
When people have things done to them, they begin to feel as
if they have no say in the matter, and that their opportunity to take the lead
or complete a task does not exist. When
we do things to people, we also tend to make it personal, whether we mean to or
not.
Doing something to somebody makes it all about the person-to-person
interaction, something that the best leaders know is the key to success. If we pull too tightly on the strings of
relationships too often, they’re bound to break.
However, when we do things for others, we act in a selfless
way. Our goal is to help (rather than to
punish, as doing things to someone can fell like), and while there are times
when help isn’t wanted, we do all require help from time-to-time.
The goal for leaders is to determine how best to do things
for people, and that is where knowing your community comes into play.
Some community members are comfortable with outward displays
of assistance, others would prefer if that helping hand stays veiled. The only way to tell is by learning first,
and leading second.
Regardless, the difference between “to” and “for” is
extremely important. By focusing on the
“for” we can still provide aid when needed, without taking the wheel out of the
hands of those who need to learn how to drive.
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