Good morning, Team! It’s Friday!
I think tolerance is a leadership attribute that seldom gets the attention it deserves.
We hear about all of the bold, courageous, innovative things that go on in the business world where leaders do heroic and extraordinary things but are seldom, if ever, noticed for simply turning a cheek or letting something slide because they know it’s small stuff and we shouldn’t sweat it.
Not to be mistaken with indifference, tolerance is to care, think it through and decide to not react… at that moment. Rather, make a mental note and when tempers are calm and receptors are active and willing to listen, a kind-hearted reminder of the inflammatory issue is resurfaced, reminded and a better path for future application is discussed.
To tolerate and do nothing, to not follow up is not just tolerance, it is disinterest and inexcusable for a leader.
Let’s explore an example,A CEO visits a branch office and notices some bad behavior. A manager is yelling at some of his direct reports. A mistake was made and the manager felt it was his place to publicly reprimand his subordinates to make an example of them. •A tyrant CEO rips into the manager right then and there and trumps the public demeaning exercise with one of his own, reflecting badly on all parties and giving insight as to why the manager behaved the way they did.•A tolerant CEO chooses to say nothing at the time but follows up that evening with a call, an email and a scheduled appointment in two weeks to monitor progress.•An absent CEO looks the other way while at the branch office (because they have other business while there) and chooses to forget the incident ever happened.
Which one would you work for?
What lingering effects from the “tyrant” or “absent” examples can you imagine might impact the branch office, the HQ and the company?
People come to work each day with the basic intent that they want to do their job well and make their supervisor, company and family proud. When managers and leaders get in the way by not caring, not trusting or not tolerating-they remove value instead of adding it.
Picture your day today. You might have a situation happen similar to the example provided. Whatever your role, consider being tolerant, professional and courteous. Leave the situation better than when you found it.
Have a blessed weekend!