Great? Which leader should they imitate? How do we teach someone to think like a leader? What do we teach? If they learn by watching us, are we reflecting what we expect a leader to be?
If we had surveyed attendees of the CIO Summit in Austin, Texas, on what makes a good leader, we’d likely have heard words like these: visionary, respect, trust, commitment, determination, optimist, mentor, passion, knowledgeable, communicator, integrity, inspirational, constant learner, and more.
These terms describe things that go into developing and strengthening a team. But when we hire a leader, what do we hire? Do we get a generalist who knows the business and can focus on the team? Or should we choose a specialist with a deep knowledge of current technology trends, but an uneven or limited history in creating a cohesive team.
Ideally, you’d hire a cross section of both. But how do you know that a leader will be successful? In today’s competitive environment, where a leader must be concerned with staff, funding, and technological innovations, how does that leader need to think? How should the leader act? The answer lies in your response to this question: How is their team performing?
An Example from Hollywood
How many times have you been on a panel, part of an ice breaker in a meeting, or just chatting with friends and asked them, What are you reading? Or do you have a favorite book? Over the years I’ve often answered Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown. It’s the true story of the American eight-oared rowing team and its gold medal win against Nazi Germany at the 1936 Olympics. But I found it to offer so much more. It’s a terrific study of self-development, trust, and leadership.
When the movie came out over the holidays it was top on my list to go see. As with most books that are made into movies, the portrayal wasn’t perfect. But I found the same sense of joy in it that I found in the book. After seeing the movie – and rereading the book – I realized it also answers the question: How do you think like a leader?
The Mechanics of a Win
This book shows how individual passion, teamwork, and leadership – the perfect trifecta – can result in success. When college students try out for the team, each has their own reason for wanting to be in the boat. Some need a job, others must cover college tuition. Many just want to be part of something.
What’s clear is that the art of rowing is the furthest thing from their minds. They learn quickly that a boat doesn’t move well unless all 8 rowers work in unison. Technique is important and each position has its unique needs. The coach continually makes adjustments until he has the right rowers in the right place in the boat.
Next, he chooses the team leader, or coxswain, for his ability to navigate and motivate at the right time and with the right combination of compassion and directness. Throughout the movie, while the rowers struggle to learn their way, the coach makes (and takes ownership for) tough decisions, while always juggling those all-too familiar bureaucratic interruptions. He continually stands behind his team and is confident in their work. He knows they have a passion to win.
The book’s happy conclusion has the team winning against all odds, despite ailing team members and the worst possible starting placement. It prevails because the leader made sure everyone knows their role, gave clear directions, motivated with compassion, and didn’t take the credit. He let the entire team own the day. When you can do all that, you’re truly thinking and acting like a leader.
