Page 150 - Roy W. Rice - CEO Material How to Be a Leader in Any Organization-McGraw-Hill (2009)

You Develop Others to Take Your Job • 131

irrelevant whether they’re good at what they do because other workers will
avoid them.
Every night I think of three things where someone did something nice
for me or to me during the day.... I think about how it affected me
and my life, why, and how they did it.... I do it to make myself more
aware of the way people do things.... Because of this, I sleep better
at night. I’m more optimistic and more resilient toward daily stress-
ors. I become a better manager, more effective leader, can better
relate to peers, and have a richer personal life.
When you are pleasantly assertive, coworkers will be more willing to
be collaborative with you, and you’ll more than likely get bigger pay raises
and promotions, according to research at the Harvard Business School.
Kindness and courtesy are not weaknesses. Being kind far outweighs
being interesting or even smart.
Pleasantly assertive means that you address problems in a cool, con-
fident, and uncomplicated way. You accommodate people but don’t com-
promise. You treat them nicely, not shabbily. And you refrain from
eliciting antagonism. Pursue problems vigorously, but with respect; say
what you think no matter how unpopular. Make time for people even if
you don’t have time. You are friendly but don’t have to be friends.
Pleasantly assertive does not mean that you are nonconfrontational
and let people slide. It doesn’t mean that you try to be everybody’s buddy.
It does mean that you create a learning environment, not a ring of fear.

You must be direct, upfront, matter-of-fact, and frank, but with
respect, even if it’s someone who makes your life a living hell.
ƒ

Tough but fair. I tried that once. Didn’t care for it.

Use many resources and avenues of learning for your people. Give
them “stretch projects,” early assignments, training courses, and feedback
to rid them of bad habits. Log progress, give feedback, and plan the next
step. Set the example, and support and reward their efforts.
Return to Chapter 3 to remind yourself how you can constantly seek
information and turn opportunities around for others to learn as well.