Out-Loud Leadership

Effective leadership is about pointing others toward success. It's also about pointing out - out loud - when others are already moving in that direction.

Case in Point: While reviewing a rather content-rich spreadsheet with the employee who created it, his boss stopped mid-sentence to turn to the employee and say,

"This is really very good work, you know. Thank you."

What a great leadership moment! In less than 10 seconds, the executive had recognized the value of the work that had been completed to date, spoke out loud to that value, and took the time to recognize the employee for having been the one to contribute that value.

Was it necessary? No. But was it beneficial? Absolutely!

I know this because of what happened next: The employee smiled, sat up a little straighter and engaged even more thoroughly in the conversation the two of them were having. He was clearly delighted in having impressed the boss.

Kudos to the executive for pointing out - and saying out loud - what she had been thinking. Clearly, it had a positive impact ... and will likely continue to inspire that employee far longer than it took to say what was said.

Nicely done. Very nicely done.