*Originally published on SpyderWorks: click here to access.
Entrepreneurs aren’t always known for their people skills. And frankly, neither are engineers.
So I felt somewhat challenged recently when I was invited to speak to students at the W Booth School of Engineering at McMaster University, which focuses on creating not just builders, but leaders.
Product-obsessed engineers and always-racing-somewhere entrepreneurs aren’t generally known for having the open, engaging and empowering management style that seems so critical in business today. Still, entrepreneurs thrive on change, so understanding people – and helping them grow – is just one more skill set we have to adopt.
So I thanked Professor David Potter for his courage in handing me the microphone in front of his classroom of emerging minds, and tried to persuade them that leadership is much more than just getting things done.
In recent years, I have spent more time – in my own company and with other organizations –helping people adapt their leadership approach to a world of constant, unpredictable change. And as I explained to these engineering students, addressing change succeeds or fails by understanding a concept you rarely learn in the classroom: “context.”
According to Oxford, “context” is a frame of reference – a device you use to extract meaning from random or imperfect information. For me, “context” is the most important word in business. Leaders always need to understand the needs, concerns and demands that shape their actions and attitudes – as well as those factors affecting the people you do business with. Knowing all of these different motivations and frames of reference puts you in a position to find common ground and move ahead together.
Context is especially important in managing people. How can you help someone change their behaviour if you don’t take the time to understand why they’ve been acting “that way” in the first place?
Contextually speaking, I see two stages that entrepreneurs generally go through – and the quantum leap they need to take to evolve their leadership style. I offer the following framework not just for entrepreneurs, but for those who work with them.
But a business model honed in the 20th century doesn’t fit any more. The island and the treehouse have to go.
Entrepreneurs must open up and recognize that more heads are better than one.
Fortunately, entrepreneurs trying to up their game have natural allies: millennials. I can hear your startled protests, but I don’t see the new generation as entitled, cynical or smug. I associate millennials with communication and collaboration.
They have grown up as Gen C, the connected generation. Through technology, they participate in any conversation, on any topic, anywhere in the world. They don’t accept “Shut up and keep your head down.” We leaders must adapt. We must learn to converse instead of command.
Respectful conversation is hard – which is probably why our bosses avoided it. Conversing requires mutual respect. If you ask for an opinion, you must treat it with care, and explain why you agree or disagree. Offering a shrug – or no reaction at all – guarantees that conversation will continue without you.
Did the students get my message? I think they were delighted to be told that their preferred method of communication – frank, fearless and always on – will eventually win in the workplace. I just hope their bosses are fast learners.
Innovators Alliance is a peer-to-peer networking group of CEOs committed to driving business growth through innovation. Join us for an upcoming event to see what it’s all about!
Is your company innovative? Try our NEW Innovation Self-Assessment. It takes less than 5 minutes!
Like this? You might also like:
We’re excited at Connective Intelligence to sponsor an organization where members focus on growth through…
Innovators Alliance is pleased to share that we have formed a new strategic partnership with…
Along with the warmer days and daylight ‘spring forward’ this year’s Fresh Thinking. Shared. event…
In the ever evolving, complex world of business, entrepreneurs and business owners are challenged to…
As recommended by IA Members One of the most valuable elements of Innovators Alliance (IA),…
Four Power Moves to Turn Economic Downturns into Innovation Uptrends During an economic downturn, it’s…