The Fine Line of Legitimate Leadership
Here is a lesson on leadership that is vital to the success and happiness of every CEO both professionally and personally.
Understanding this measuring tool will ensure that you spend your “people” time correctly and effectively.
Not following this format, however, will guarantee that you are not talking “business” but indeed, wasting time, even if you are legitimately talking “business.” It is a fine line, and after working personally with CEO’s from every walk of life and in every industry at every economic scale, I see most of them cross this line most of the time. So it would benefit you and those whom you are leading to understand this lesson – learn it well and it will serve you well.
When it comes to understanding where to spend your time… and whom to spend your time with… and how much time to spend with whom… I have a very simple formula and it works: I separate people into 5 distinct categories based on two factors – their character and their competence. Their levels of these two attributes determine how and when and “IF” I spend time with them.
Let me explain the levels and then outline what to do. As I describe each of these five categories, make mental note (or you can physically take notes on a pad) of the people with whom you work and start placing them into one of the 5 categories. Then as I explain the method in which you work with each of these categories of people, I want you to divide your list of people in two.
The Five Categories
C-1Convincer – This category is described as attempting to move by argument or evidence to belief, agreement, consent, or a course of action. To persuade or cajole.
Explanation: These are the kinds of individuals who never seem to demonstrate any real level of performance or results. They talk a lot, but usually speak in generalities without details or actual facts. There never seems to be any validation of the things they claim to have accomplished. Usually this individual lacks in self-esteem or is looking for attention but is generally harmless, outside of wasting your time.
C-2Counterfeit – The description of a counterfeit is an imitation intended to be passed fraudulently or deceptively as genuine. It is a forgery, a copy or a close likeness, an imposter, or a pretender.
Explanation: These individuals are many times taken seriously due to the fact that they look and act the part of a professional. They are well-mannered, well-dressed (appropriate to their profession or occupation and situation), and talk a big game, but unfortunately, there is no substance or support to validate the things they pretend to be. These individuals are harder to spot because they are a much more polished version of the Convincer. You need to be wary, as these types may be intentionally trying to deceive.
C-3Colt – A Colt is a young male animal of the horse family, not more than four years of age. This category describes a young or inexperienced person.
Explanation: These are people with genuine performance and follow-through; however, it is very unpracticed and considered amateur. They can be and many times are well-spoken and well thought out, but do not have the needed experience or “time in” and need a lot of growth before they are considered a professional. These are people who can be groomed once you weigh their intentions and objectives, both short and long-term.
C-4Crackerjack – By description, a Crackerjack is a person or thing that shows marked ability or excellence.
Explanation: This individual is a good performer, on time, even when under pressure. He understands his craft well and is considered an expert by most people. This individual has results and facts and uses them consistently to show the value that he brings to any project, endeavor or relationship. These are your “Go To” people – those you can count on to get the job done and get it done right. Your lieutenants, so-to-speak.
C-5Consummate – Simply put, to bring to a state of perfection; to fulfill.
Explanation: This is the highest-level category. A consummate individual does exactly what he says consistently and has, over time, developed a reputation that is hard to compete with. He states the facts and results, and has many to draw from. In fact, it may seem that his success stories are endless due to his being in the game for so long. A consummate knows all the tricks, rules and strategies and executes them perfectly time and time again. This describes an innovator and a person who is synonymous with their profession or trade. They are what they do. These people are artists and are extremely rare.
Now that I have given you a basic description of the five categories of people, think about everyone in your personal and professional life, and start categorizing them into these five categories.
A New Twist on the 80/20 Rule – Real Life Application
Once you’ve done that, you can start working with them based on their merit. Follow this format on how you spend your time with each of these groups of people.
Spend 80% of your time with the 20%, meaning those individuals who fall into the categories of C-4 and C-5 – the Crackerjacks and the Consummates. These people are those with whom you spend or give your personal or private one-on-one time.
Spend 20% of your time with the 80%, meaning those people who fall into categories C-1, C-2 and C-3 – the Counterfeits (whom you shouldn’t really spend any time with at all), the Convincers, and the Colts. These are the individuals with whom you give or spend “public” time, or group time. You do this through bigger meetings, seminars, webinars, conference calls, get-togethers, etc. Keep these individuals in your group time formats until they move themselves into a higher category.
Following this format will create a new level of effectiveness in your leadership ability. The end result is more success on every level of your life. |
