There are so many things leaders could focus on and give time and attention to in order to be excellent in what they do. But obviously, as leaders, we can’t jump on every new idea or innovative way of thinking that we encounter from what we watch, read and listen to. How do we decide?

In today’s post Dan Rockwell discusses an imperative every leader must understand. Let’s see what you think about his key imperative.

Guest Post by Dan Rockwell

A leader asked me, “What’s the most important leadership idea?” He was searching for the “one thing” every leader must understand.

The most important leadership idea is an imperative every leader must embrace – Understand people. Learning that leadership is about people transforms leadership.

4 Ways to Understand People:

Understanding people involves viewing them through the lens of their aspirations, motivations, potential, and shortcomings (AMPS).

#1. Aspirations:

Put people into situations that express their hopes for the future.

Create a personal file for each employee. List their personal goals, desired achievements and definition of the “good life”.

#2. Motivations:

Offer assignments that energize people.

Discern and record everyone’s internal motivators like autonomy, mastery, growth, curiosity, challenge, and connection. Include external motivators like recognition, financial gains, advancement, and performance incentives.

Tip: Notice when people light up. Ask, “I notice you just went bright. What’s going on for you?”

#3. Potential:

Build opportunities that maximize strengths.

Potential relies on individual strengths and untapped abilities. Notice and record when people consistently deliver remarkable results. What strengths make that possible?

Tip: Ask team members to list the top 3 strengths of everyone on the team.

#4. Shortcomings:

Don’t put people into situations where they consistently struggle.

Weaknesses don’t produce great results. Notice and record when people struggle to meet expectations. When are they disappointed or frustrated? Observe their response to various challenges. Explore any fatal flaws that hold people back.

Tip: Transparency requires trust. Practice vulnerability. Accept the good and bad of everyone on the team. Hiring the wrong person occurs when they can’t meet basic job requirements.

Understanding a person AMPS their enthusiasm.

3 Questions That Enable Leaders to Understand People:

1. Who do you aspire to be like?
2. What makes you proud?
3. What’s your favorite project?

Tip: Ask the second question. What’s important to you about that?

Author’s note: Uncovering the most transformative leadership idea depends on the person asking the question. Answers can vary.

What one thing must every leader understand in order to succeed?

Still curious:

How to Believe in People

Understanding Leadership