How do you think your people would rate you as a leader?
Our reader poll today asks: How do you think your people would rate you as a leader?
– They think I’m the best leader they’ve ever had: 12%
– They think I’m an above-average leader: 62%
– They think I’m an average leader: 21%
– They think I’m a below-average leader: 3%
– They think I’m a terrible leader: 2 %
A more critical approach: Well over half of respondents say their people think they’re better-than-average leaders. That math doesn’t work. I challenge you to ask your people what they really think. None of us wants to face flaws or criticism, but sometimes it’s the best thing you can do to improve your skills. Sit down with the members of your team and ask them where you really stand. Seek direct and actionable feedback. I guarantee that those of you who do so will end up in the “above average” group of leaders.
Do you agree with these poll results? Let us know in the comments below!
– Mike Figliuolo at thoughtLEADERS, LLC
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These results were originally a SmartPulse poll in SmartBrief on Leadership which tracks feedback from more than 190,000 business leaders. Get smarter on leadership and sign up for the SmartBrief on Leadership e-newsletter.
I work for a union protected public sector employer. I manage a team 5 employees who are not good followers and therefore are not good leaders and could not be counted on to participate in the exercise in the spirit in which it is intended.
I believe they would skew their answer based on whether they more wanted to stay in my good graces or have an opportunity to criticize me at my own invitation.
Is my skepticism well founded? Should I try this anyway? How do I process the results?
Thanks for asking Ken. I’d encourage you to ask. If you think they’re kissing butt, challenge them on it and push for bad examples or ask them to defend their rosy positions with concrete examples. Conversely, if they bash you, challenge them on it and push for concrete examples and also ask for things you do well (along with examples). I think it’s a symbol of bravery to put yourself out there authentically and to deal with the feedback professionally and directly. Who knows… maybe if they see you’re serious about development and getting feedback they might turn into better followers…