Each one of us is a leader. I heard the story of a man I’ll call Jim, who had taken a job with a large company. He and two others were direct reports to one supervisor. Jim was impressed with how his supervisor came out of his office each day and spent time with each of his direct reports. In a breakroom conversation one day Jim brought this up to Bob, one of his two co-workers. To Jim’s surprise Bob did not have the same perception of their boss. Bob’s response was something like this.
“That’s the way you see it Jim. I see it differently.” said Bob. “When he comes out to make his rounds, he stops and spends time talking with you about a lot of things, work and life related. Then he stops at Angela’s desk and asks her how her husband and the kids are doing. When he gets to my desk, he simply asks how things are going with the job or talks about the weather.”
Bob went on to explain, “Sure he comes out and talks to each of us. But each stop is different. You are the one most like him. He feels comfortable talking with you about a variety of topics. With Angela, he talks about the two things he knows he can relate to in her life, her husband, and children. He does not attempt any other conversation. I am of a different cultural background. He does not believe he has anything in common with me and therefore does not attempt any conversation outside his comfort zone.”
Obviously, Jim’s supervisor had made an impression on each of his reports. Jim and Bob had totally different perspectives of their supervisor. Which one was correct in his perception? The answer is they both were. Jim’s perception (prior to the conversation with Bob) was that his supervisor was a courteous man with concern for each of those reporting to him. Jim’s perception was reality for him. His supervisor was courteous and friendly. Bob’s perception was reality too, reality for Bob.
It has been said that perception is reality. In other words, what a person perceives becomes his reality. In leadership if a person perceives you to be a nice and caring supervisor, that is her reality of who you are. If another person feels they have been mistreated by you, then in his reality, you are not a valued leader.
The art of leadership is creating a masterpiece of perception. Not everyone is going to have the exact same perception of you. However, as a leader one of your priorities should be to create a true perception of what those you lead need most. Leadership is not about me the leader, but about creating an atmosphere where everyone under my leadership is capable to function at his/her very best.
Therefore, as a leader every word that comes out of my mouth, every action I make, every laugh, frown, and scowl that crosses my face, is a new stroke of a paintbrush in the mind of each of my reports. Every stitch of clothing that I wear, the amount of time I spend in the presence of (or not in the presence) is adding to the perception painting. Not only what I actually say and do to each report, the perception I create in follower (report) number one, will also be passed on to each of my other followers (reports). What they hear from their peers will be added to their own painting of perception about me.
Every person watching you as a leader is painting a perception portrait of who you are. That portrait is reality to him/her and will be conveyed in his work for the organization and his interaction with others. As a leader, you have control of the palette. Are you helping to create masterpieces?
Remember, leadership is not about you or your personal comfort. It is about building others to be the best, most effective person they can be. If your employees, volunteers, or organizational members perceive your actions, words, and personal displays to be more about you, you are not creating a masterpiece. Their perception of you will determine how far they will allow you to lead them and to what extent they will follow. If you desire success as a leader, begin by creating a masterpiece of perception.
For more information or coaching on this topic contact George Yates and visit SonC.A.R.E. Ministries.