Humans are the dominant specie on
the planet. This dominance is not one that was gained by brute force or
assertion of physical strength or attributes, rather this dominance was claimed
by virtue of our intellect. It can thus be said that there is no definite
blueprint or ten rule instructional to guide us in our dealings with
individuals. We are dynamic in our thinking and ever evolving our thought
process. Nevertheless, there is one common denominator which cuts across
board…… that is, emotions! Irrespective of class, social standing, race or
gender, we are all subject to emotions and this emotions can navigate the
direction of flow of our thoughts (or thought pattern if you will). When a man
(or woman) reacts to a situation, utterance or action towards them; this
reaction is usually spurred on (more often than not) by an underlying emotional
impulse. In essence, our actions and (to a larger extent) reactions are
physical manifestations of our feelings. When I talk about feelings and
emotions in the preceding paragraphs, I’m merely referring to uncontrolled
emotions. By uncontrolled I mean emotional triggers that are not determined by
individuals purposefully; rather these are spur of the moment expressions.
Flowing from the above, it’s a
safe bet stating that capacity to control an individual’s emotion and emotional
state will adequately grant you a level of control over such an individual; for
only a few individuals possess the presence of mind to actively display or
present an outward manifestation contrary to or undetermined by their emotion.
Self-awareness is a pre-requisite and a bedrock to the foundational construct
of a being who desires utmost control of his/her person.
Now forging ahead to the crux of
the subject matter under consideration – Getting
the best out of people. We are always seeking for ways to produce results
we desire from others in the varying spheres of our relationships, interactions
and existence. To truly achieve the utmost in whatever endeavour - more so as
leader than most - we must realise that we are interdependent on one another.
It is often quipped that “a tree does not make a forest”, this saying is so apt
especially to the quintessential man. The following paragraphs will give us a
framework which will serve as a guide in our quest to derive the best from
those around us.
First and foremost, when in a
group or team, as a leader you must make people within the group identify with
the ideas presented as theirs! In doing this it is important to make sure that
they don’t end up feeling manipulated as this can end up blowing in your face
with dire consequences.
Humans especially in this 21st
century are rather rebellious. We don’t often take it too kindly when
ideas are being thrust on us. Even as a very controlling leader, try to build a
solid skeletal framework whilst giving room for the team to figure out the rest
of the body work. After all, a top-notch framework should withstand their
input. People generally will defend and even die to protect their brain-child,
just as much as a nursing mother will protect her infant child. Giving people
the sense that the project is as much their baby as yours will only produce the
best output.
Another sure way of deriving the
very best from people is by giving responsibilities alongside power to execute.
This often brings out that creative spark or the edge that otherwise will not
have been present. Humans are not robots, but if you treat them as such, they
will only produce the very minimum required of them (in most case).
Also as important as the
above-listed is treating others as colleagues and not subordinates. People
generally have a positive response when you place value on them and their
opinions. Even though an individual realises that he/she is not your equal or
is your subordinate in a team, the simple gesture of treating them as
‘colleagues’ in the real sense of the word (that is, as partners), will give
them a positive lift which almost always corresponds to remarkable input,
extraordinary effort and a high-level of commitment.
It is quite clear from the
perspective of a keen observer that, people have this deep-sitted need to be
carried along, to be made to feel important, to be recognised and to be
acknowledged – even more so than financial gains to be accrued!
Loyalty and input as a result of
financial motivation only produces results commensurate to the remuneration,
but loyalty due to a sense of belonging and sense of ownership produces results
that are exponential in nature.
It is not in error but rather by
design that I left out certain other factors. This was done in order to
eliminate anything that could be used or considered as a tool of manipulation -
for the one thing a man hates more than being left out, is finding out he has
been manipulated.
Image from: azquotes.com
