Recognizing Recognition

At the risk of offering TMI, one of my personal habits is to check my e -mail as soon as I arise from a night’s sleep and prepare for a new day. I typically clear all e-mail traffic before turning in for the day, and inevitably, I will receive several messages while asleep. I like to try to volley as many of those back asap, and get a fresh and early start to the day.

This morning, I received one such message, but this one was different, this one made me smile widely and beam with pride. Actually, I was only courtesy copied on a message that was sent to one of my staff members from one of his team members. With his permission, I am including that message here, redacted in spots to protect the innocent…

On Feb 19, 2016, at 5:52 AM, XXX.YYYY@ZZZ.com wrote:

Good Morning XXXXXX,

Some thoughts came to me from the meeting yesterday and I thought I would share them with you.

I know the past few weeks (months?) have been challenging for you but I have seen you demonstrate great leadership in the face of that. You have taken charge and set direction. However, the most exciting thing to me is how you have done that. You haven’t come across as a ruler but as one who is walking along side of us to accomplish the most benefit and good for all. You demonstrate concern and care for people and I appreciate that. You don’t make “examples” of people in public. And I noticed that you were considerate of YYY missing xxx lunch time and gave xxx opportunity to take it later. Those are examples to me of servant leadership that I encourage and support.

Thanks for what you are doing. I’m with you.

What a great message to start the day with. A few leadership lessons jump off the page from this wonderful e-mail message:

Recognition is better than gold. We all desire it, and most crave it. It has been said that while one will trade their work and efforts for monetary rewards, they will voluntarily fight through the gates of hell for the opportunity to receive a small piece of ribbon to be pinned on their chest. I am sure that as uplifting as I found this message, the direct recipient of it walked on clouds when he did.

Leaders set direction. “I have seen you demonstrate great leadership in the face of that. You have taken charge and set direction.” Anybody can steer the ship, but leaders set the course. I remember years ago when my wife and I went on an afternoon sailing excursion off the Grand Cayman Islands. We sailed in a huge catamaran type sail boat, which must have held 50 people on board. On the way back, the Captain saw that I was very interested in the ship and he asked if I would like to pilot the boat back to the pier. You didn’t have to ask me twice and I jumped at the chance to take the helm. I vividly remember that after a few minutes in total control, with the sea breeze in my face, the Captain discreetly asking me a very important question, “Do you know where you are going?” I realized in that moment, I didn’t! When you get far enough away from shore, it all looks the same on the way back in. He pointed out a few landmarks for me to steer toward, which I dutifully did. I may have been at the wheel, but he was surely the Captain. HE knew where we were going, and he would ensure that we all landed back at the dock safety. Leaders set the course, and as stated in the e mail, this associate appreciated the fact that their leader was setting a course for the group to navigate during the tough times.

Leaders do it with you, not to you. Note the comment that, “You haven’t come across as a ruler but as one who is walking along side of us to accomplish the most benefit and good for all.” The writer is stating a fact that it is easy to follow one who is serving the team to accomplish the difficult tasks and mission before them.

Before you can ask for a back, you need to touch a heart. You demonstrate concern and care for people and I appreciate that. You don’t make “examples” of people in public. And I noticed that you were considerate of YYY missing xxx lunch time and gave xxx opportunity to take it later. Two universal truths should be recognized by leaders, all people want to be loved unconditionally, and all people want to be significant. A leader who habitually treats their teams with respect, dignity and compassion, especially during the tough times, wins their hearts, and in turn, gains their best efforts.

We all need to be able to lead down the chain of command, laterally across it and upward in it. I was touched by the fact that this individual took the time to lead upwards, and to pen such a thoughtful and encouraging message to his direct supervisor. He took the risk of looking like he was “kissing up” or trying to better his own standing. The sincerity of the message shows that this is not the case at all, but a true act of leadership in its own right.

I am honored to be numbered among such a team. I hope you are encouraged to take a few minutes often to recognize people for their efforts, and to lead with a servant’s heart.

Stay Strong,

Terry