As a leader, you should always challenge people to move out of their comfort zone, but never out of their strength zone. Leadership is all about placing people in the right place so they can be successful.
Most leaders fall into either the climber or connector camp. They are generally either positional or highly relational. Which type are you?
Climbers Think Vertical–Connectors Think Horizontal
Climbers Focus on Position–Connectors Focus on Relationships
Climbers Value Competition–Connectors Value Cooperation
Climbers Seek Power–Connectors Seek Partnerships
Climbers Build Their Image Apart–Connectors Want to Stand Together
Success in leadership comes to those who embrace the best of both characteristics. Many climbers are relationally challenged. According to a recent study, it reported that the greatest problems professionals have don’t relate to their competence; they relate to their relationships. A survey of over two thousand employers asked them to review the reason for dismissing the last three employees from their businesses. Two out of three said it was because the person fired couldn’t get along with other employees.
If you climb without connecting, you may gain authority, but you won’t have many friends as you climb. A leader should build relationships along the way.
If you’re a natural connector, work to increase your energy and intensify your sense of purpose and urgency. The most effective leaders always manage to balance both connecting and climbing.
