Success Thought

You don't have to look hard to find lessons about becoming a stronger leader. Sadly, most are about what not to do.

However, last year's singing reality show The Voice, (the first reality show I've watched from beginning to end) overflowed with positive leadership lessons. Since it's second season starts on February 5, I thought it would be fun to review lessons I gleaned last year.

The premise: 32 amazing up-and-coming singers performed for four award-winning superstar singers who are at the top of their respective genre - rock, country and rap.

The superstar coaches, Blake Shelton, Christina Aguilera, Cee Lo Green and Adam Levine had their backs to the performers, thus could initially judge them only by their 'voice.'

Each coach competed for a team of eight with whom to work over the coming ten weeks. As in business, coaches competed with one another. Performers competed with one another. Everyone was in the moment and at the top of their game.

The coaches made agonizing choices each week to fire members of their team in order to select the top performer to compete with the other three.

Here are the top '7' leadership lessons I gleaned from watching both coaches and performers:

1. Treat everyone with respect. Unlike the early days of American Idol, each coach treated all contestants and each other with respect. Contestants followed suit and admired each other's diverse talents. Mutual respect was a win for all involved. Do you demonstrate respect for your clients and your staff?
2. Competition is a good thing. Each contestant improved week-by-week not only through their coach's encouragement, but by watching and learning from one another. Do you encourage learning from your competition as a regular basis of your company's work style?
3. Focus on strengths. Each performer brought intriguing skill sets which were highlighted by coaches. The popularity of the show was due in part because the audience had fun watching contestant's growth. How do your customers benefit from your team's growth?
4. Give constructive feedback in the moment. Each contestant had areas in which to improve. Specific and immediate feedback built a stronger foundation on which to grow. Performers didn't have to wonder where they stood; they knew immediately. Is an annual performance appraisal enough, or would informal meetings on a regular basis improve skills?
5. Believe in your team. Coaches were passionate about the strength of their team. Though the word 'love' won't be used in business as often as on the show, anyone will grow by leaps and bounds when believed in and unconditionally supported. How do you demonstrate to your team that you care about them?
6. Be creative in making your team the best it can be. Each coach chose different 'field trips' to grow their team, from live performances, to spa treatments, to performing with famous musicians. Leaders, are you looking beyond your annual retreat to grow your team? Have you asked them what would help them most?
7. Create win/win scenarios for all. Every interaction, even constructive suggestions, led to positive outcomes. Coaches supported each other. Performers supported each other. Even when Javier Colon was named the winner, all contestants cheered. Does your staff truly support the successes of each team member, and what can you do to encourage this?

Leaders, are you 100% in support of each member of your team? When one individual succeeds, does the rest of your team celebrate? If not, is it really a 'team?'

I wonder what lessons this coming season will of The Voice will provide.I admire you for taking time to read this article to help you become a more effective leader.

Have an outstanding week and make tomorrow better than today.

Ann

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If you're struggling inside with this concept of "being a strong leader," take the first step. Hire Ann or one of our coaches to guide you. At GV&A, we have accomplished, talented, certified coaches to serve you. It can be easier than you think to attain the success you are after. No matter how you define it, your success is our only goal! Call us today!

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