The Leaders Work Ethic

Nelson Searcy
nelson@smartleadership.com
3/13/2003

SmartLeaders work. A consistent work ethic is part of a consistent character ethic. SmartLeaders work by an ethic that sets the standard for both followers and other leaders. They understand that work is more than just time on the clock; it is the key function of leaders. Like it or not, next to character, one’s work ethic is the primary way one is judged.


SmartLeaders work and they work hard. They work out of an e.t.h.i.c that can be summarized in five clear actions.

E.NGAGE YOUR WORK

When a leader works, they work – they don’t daydream, think about evening plans or wonder about things at home. Like a laser, a leader must engage the work in front of them. You’ve no doubt heard the story about the guy who thought about home when he was at work and thought about work when he was at home. He couldn’t get anything done because he spent all his time traveling.

SmartLeaders stay on the task; they engage their work. What is the one action you could take that would allow you to more effectively engage your work?

Engaging one’s work means that a leader removes distractions; focuses on one task at a time; completes the task and organizes for the future.

T.ACKLE THE MOST PRODUCTIVE TASK FIRST

Instead of jumping into the file on top of your desk, take a moment and ask “What is the most productive task I can do right now?” Do not confuse the urgent or the easy with the productive. The most productive task you can do is the task that, as the leader, only you can do. It is that task which will allow those around you to better accomplish their tasks. It is the task that offers the greatest return. Determine the productive task and engage it fully.

For a full treatment of this subject, see Stephen Covey’s “First Things First”

H.ELP OTHERS PRODUCE

A leader’s work ethic is not just about getting their work done; it is also about helping others produce. Like your mother always said, “No one is done until everyone is done.”

SmartLeaders help others produce by looking for ways to clear pathways, sharing insights and lending a helping hand. You find the time to help others produce by engaging your most productive task first.

I.NVEST IN MYSELF

Investing in myself is never time well spent – it is time well invested. As the wise Solomon once wrote, “If the ax is dull and its edge unsharpened, more strength is needed but skill will bring success.” Take time to sharpen your axe.

What is the one skill that you need to learn or sharpen to make you more productive at work?

While the answer to the above question is as varied as our readership, let me make 2 general observations based on the leaders with whom I work on a regular basis:

1. Technology. Many leaders I know would do well to sharpen their basic technology skills – how to better use e-mail, the Internet or basic company software. My suggestion: Find the youngest technology wiz in your office and take him or her to lunch. During that lunch ask if he or she will spend 30 minutes a month looking over your shoulder and offering suggestions for improvement. Lay you pride aside for the sake of productivity.

2. Delegation. Over 85% of the leaders with whom I work need to better learn the wonderful skill of delegation. Many either don’t do it at all or don’t do it well. As you know – there are two ways to get more done: work longer or get others to work with you. Delegation is getting others to work with you so you don’t have to work longer. Here are two great resources on delegation:

* Essential Managers: How to Delegate ($6.95)

* Inviting Others to Join You (free)

C.ALENDAR REST AND RELAXATION

That which gets scheduled gets done. SmartLeaders calendar rest, relaxation, time off, family time and vacation just like they schedule the most important meeting. If you don’t take time off, your body and mind will make time off – through illness or breakdown. A good pattern to follow is to: divert daily, recharge weekly and abandon annually. Divert daily by talking a walk or eating lunch in solitude. Recharge weekly by making sure you have at least one day off. Abandon annually through a scheduled 7 - 21 day vacation. Remember, the more stress you are under the more you must stress rest and relaxation.

BURN ON

Learning to live with a positive work ethic insures productivity, allows for effective leadership and sets the standard for those around you. As a leader, the type of work ethic you choose will lead to one of three options: burn out, burn down or burn on. Follow the five action steps above and you will burn on and on and on.