Before diving headfirst into leading a team, taking the time for leadership training can make all the difference. In Stephen R. Covey’s timeless book, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, he shares a powerful story that perfectly illustrates this point. Let me tell you the story in my own words.
The Lumberjack Tale
Imagine two lumberjacks: Joe and Butch. Joe walks past Butch, who’s struggling to saw down a massive tree. “Hey Butch, your saw needs sharpening!” Joe yells, holding up his own freshly sharpened blade. Butch, frustrated and focused solely on the task at hand, retorts, “Can’t stop now! Gotta finish sawing this tree!”
Joe continues sawing with his sharpened tool, effortlessly bringing his tree down well before Butch finishes. The lesson? Taking the time to prepare with the right resources, like proper training, ultimately leads to greater efficiency and success.
Are You a Joe or a Butch?
As a team leader, supervisor, or manager, are you a Joe who prioritizes constant learning and development, or are you a busy Butch, neglecting the importance of sharpening your leadership saw?
We all juggle busy schedules and demanding priorities. But the question remains: do you possess the necessary skills and resources to excel in your leadership role? Does your organization offer leadership training programs, and do you actively participate?
Investing in leadership training equips you with the tools and strategies to:
- Communicate effectively: Motivate and inspire your team through clear and concise communication.
- Delegate tasks: Empower your team members by assigning tasks that leverage their strengths.
- Resolve conflict: Foster a collaborative environment where disagreements are addressed constructively.
- Provide feedback: Guide your team members towards growth and improved performance.
- Use active listening: Listen with all your might, ask clarifying questions, and paraphrase effectively.
- Build trust: Inspire credibility and integrity for your team to create a high trust environment and incredible productivity.
By prioritizing leadership development, you become a more effective leader, ultimately leading to a more productive and successful team. So, are you ready to sharpen your saw and become a Joe? Does your organization provide leadership training for all leaders or all employees?
Let me know what you and your organization do to promote leadership training.
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#leadershipdevelopment
