Page 149 - Roy W. Rice - CEO Material How to Be a Leader in Any Organization-McGraw-Hill (2009)

130 • CEO Material: How to Be a Leader in Any Organization

who says “This report is below the quality I’ve come to expect from you.
You need to redo it.” The first assaults your motive and character. The
second maintains your self-esteem while correcting your work.
You don’t mind your own work criticized, but you sure as heck don’t
want your character attacked. Neither do members of your team. We’re
quick to judge our own actions based on our intent and quick to judge
the actions of others based on the outcome.
Generally speaking, whether they deserve it or not, give people
another chance every day, all day long. You’ve been given a few more
breaks than you’ve likely deserved in life. Assume good faith from those
you deal with, even those you disagree with, because, in reality, there are
five sides in every situation: (1) my side, (2) your side, (3) the reality of
my side, (4) the reality of your side, and (5) the reality.
So be empathetic—imagine the discomfort of others. Step outside
yourself and see how what you’re saying feels and sounds like to the other
person. Set aside your own concerns, fears, and problems so that you can
explore someone else’s.
Deal with people regarding their conduct and performance not with
your or their emotional or mental state but rather in a pleasantly assertive
manner. If you don’t, you will be acting as their parent, not the boss, cause
people to take it personally, and might get sued.

Employees want to be related to by their boss in a way that’s reward-
ing to them in every way. They get mad if the boss doesn’t relate to
them personally.... People have said to me, “You’re insensitive.”
That’s because I’m not willing to enter an emotional relationship on
their terms. Why? It’s a legal mine field out there. There can be no
emotional interchange. I’ve been sued so many times, and never
when I deserved it. I bond in great moderation.

Learn to weed out losers in business and in life. Losers are people
bound up in their own set of personal needs, needs that interfere with
their ability to function at a high level.
Studies by both the Harvard Business Review and Fast Company
magazine show that people consistently and overwhelmingly prefer
to work with likable, less-skilled coworkers than with highly competent
jerks. Researchers found that if employees are disliked, it’s almost