Back in 1984, I was working on a gravity survey project in Cameroon, Western Africa. The mile upon mile of driving on rough gravel and dirt roads was made slightly more bearable by the fact that we had just rented a brand new Toyota Land Cruiser as the team vehicle. Unfortunately it's days as a shiny new vehicle were numbered.
I was happily 'cruising' along a gravel road when I saw a plume of dust coming towards me at great speed. It was an over-ladened forestry lorry driving straight down the middle of the track!! The driver of which seemed to have other things on his mind as I was forced to swerve off the track to avoid him. Our brand new Land Cruiser was suddenly on its side in the ditch. Guess what was playing on the cassette deck?
Yes, Boston and 'More than a Feeling.'
I've heard this song by Boston on two occasions, and for me, they seemed to sum up nearly three decades of change and development in leadership practice.
Some 25 years later, during the credits of the George Clooney film, 'The Men who Stare at Goats' at the Swindon multiplex cinema in deepest, darkest Wiltshire, UK; I heard it again. A far cry from dense Cameroon 'jungle' yet never the less 'connected' in an odd sort of way.
I'm not sure why but it was then that I realised how society and its expectations had changed over the years. This was the catalyst that then spurred me into action to make 'The Coach Leader' a more public reality. Which means that you, as a business leader, will be able to turn the 'tide' of low morale, low productivity/profitability and retain your best employees.
For some time now, organisations have had to make big 'withdrawals' from their employee's 'emotional bank account' and using up the last of the 'good will' those individuals had available.
Constant erosions to salary, benefits and working conditions together with the ever present threat of job loss etc, is it no wonder that morale is low and employee engagement in the doldrums? Everyone is feeling put upon especially the 'stronger' members of staff, having been 'used' during the hard times. They are the ones feeling the pressure more than most and are in desperate need for inspiration.
And frankly is it too late to turn back the tide?
For me, it is about the attitude that you bring to your role as leader. As my wife is always telling me, 'It's not what you say. It's the way that you say it, that counts.' Whether we are also adding some form of 'spirituality' I'm not sure.'
Leadership traits such as integrity, credibility, consistency, simplicity and trust plus optimism and character, all 'wrapped' in a solutions focus and not forgetting a healthy 'dose' of practical realism. These should be the norm; unfortunately this is not the case in many organisations.
What does this mean for you as a business leader?
Whatever it is and however it is displayed; society and the financial/environmental situation are demanding something more from our leaders.
What ever it is; it is 'More Than a Feeling.'
