Lee Ellis's Blog, page 114

Coaching Article – The Key Differentiator in 21st Century Leadership

By Lee Ellis

Have you ever thought why did it take so long to put wheels on luggage? (Perhaps if you are under 30 you assumed luggage had always had wheels.) In my and Hugh Massie’s recent book, Leadership behavior DNA: Discovering Natural Talents and Managing Differences, the Preface describes how there are often more efficient and effective processes all around us, but we never connect the dots to make it happen.  

Take the example of carry-on luggage—something completely accepted today as a normal part of our travel in the 21st century. Yet until around 1990, there was no such thing. Even though wheels had been used to haul cargo and possessions for thousands of years, no one had put wheels on luggage.

In 1987 Robert Plath, a Northwest Airlines captain, who tinkered in his garage, put wheels and a handle on a piece of luggage and changed the world of flight crews and then passengers. By 1992, his Travelpro brand of Rollaboard® was changing the industry. Other brands quickly followed suit and brought out their own version of roller board luggage. They were so popular that the airlines re-structured their overhead interior space to accommodate this new revelation in luggage. What’s the message?

“Often there are yet-to-be discovered new tools and principles in plain sight, yet we miss a key application that could revolutionize our lives as leaders.” [Tweet This]

The Natural Behavior Discovery

Coincidentally in 1990, I began my research into human behavior, working with a PhD department head in IO Psychology and one of her graduate students to develop a talent assessment for career development. We took the concept that we all know—people are unique and different—and collected data and used statistical applications to scientifically clarify those differences.

The discovery and outcome were that we could very accurately identify a person’s unique talents or bent and graphically show how people are different. What we learned with that tool has been the focus of my work ever since.

Defining DNA Behavior Today

We now call those unique (different) talents DNA Behavior. From our research and experience over many years, we have also learned that unique talents have both strengths and struggles. (You will see some of those in the example below.)

“Understanding behavioral differences in yourself and others has a profound impact on career trajectory as well as all relationships at work and home.” [Tweet This]

Yes, we all know we’re different; our differences create trouble every day – just read the headlines or remember the last spat at home. However, to understand and accept those differences is a lifelong growth process. Applying this knowledge of differences to get our luggage rolling (i.e. relationships running smoothly) isn’t easy for anyone to do. The good thing is that when you have a logical, scientific way of graphically and numerically showing those differences, the light comes on.

The Devil is in the Behavioral Details

To apply DNA Behavior in day-to-day work, managing differences must be a major focal point for leadership and team development. To get better results, be more persuasive, or quickly adapt interactions with another individual, you must accurately and logically understand differences. Let’s go deeper and understand these details and what they can do for you.

When individual talents/traits scores for a Factor of behavior are plotted on a normal distribution curve like the one above, we can visually see how we’re different.

Here 50 is the mean and median and ten points is one standard deviation. Thus, someone who scores 35 is three standard deviations different on this Factor from someone who scores 65. There is no good or bad, but these talents/traits are completely opposite (think Outgoing vs Reserved, or Patient vs Fast-Paced/Impatient).

Also, looking at this graphic it’s easy to see that 1/3 of the world has the left Trait and 1/3 the opposite/right Trait and 1/3 is in the mid-range with mild behaviors of both left and right Traits. There are three logical conclusions that are crucial for leadership and teamwork success –

Our natural talents/strengths (DNA Behaviors) can be completely opposite from others. Our behavioral opposites typically have natural talents/strengths that complement our missing talents. Since natural talents/strengths are accompanied by related struggles, our opposites have the potential to irritate us, and too often we focus on their struggles first rather than their strengths. Not good.

These insights help leaders to logically understand and accept differences in others and begin to learn  how to manage different talents (people) differently. Examples occur at every turn, and here’s a typical one.

Jen at 61 (Outgoing) is managing Tom at 34 (Reserved). The very exposure to Jen’s struggles (talkative, emotionally expressive, disorganized, unfocused) is going to stress him—he just wants to escape to his office and shut the door. So, if Jen wants to effectively manage Tom, she must adapt her behaviors to what he prefers: give him facts, minimize emotions, and allow him time to process his response; avoid overly animated explanations, and respect his privacy.

We call this adaptation by a leader the Platinum Rule—do unto others the way they like to be done unto—or sometimes we just say, “give it to them the way they like it.” This adaptation is not easy, but a small change in behavior will have great leverage in making a relationship more effective.

In this month’s 4-minute coaching clip, I share an experience in which the entire leadership team had to learn to adapt after an HR complaint was filed about a hostile work environment. Watch and see how it was resolved –

Differentiating Yourself as a Leader

You can see the power of this way of managing differences, but you can also see that a leader must have others-awareness and be intentional about adapting—it will take energy and practice to apply this “Platinum Rule”, but the payoff is huge.

So, the challenge for each of us is to understand others and adapt our behaviors so they will be most effective with our teammates.  I’m coaching myself every day to apply this; what about you?

LE [Tweet This Article]

Created in partnership with DNA Behavior International® our experience is anchored in more than 25 years of research and working with Ph.D.’s to develop world-class behavioral assessments that measure the natural talents that are unique to each person.

THE BOOK

Read the award-winning book on how to discover natural talents and manage differences

THE ASSESSMENT

Download a sample report from our 10-minute, validated questionnaire. We use it everyday to train and develop leaders and teams. Request more information on how you can use our assessment in your organization or practice.

THE TRAINING

Learn more about live and virtual training services are available, or become certified to administer the assessment.

 

 

This graphic shows only the first four Factors of the Leadership Behavior DNA assessment. There are four more Factors of behavior, giving 16 Traits. You can see an example of all eight Factors and their Traits at https://www.leadingwithhonor.com/products/leadership-behavior-dna/

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Graduation Gifts for the Next Gen Leader

Graduation season is here, and Leading with Honor wants to help you celebrate and gift these young leaders with future wisdom! Experience gripping stories from the Vietnam POW camps and learn the leadership lessons that enabled them to survive and return with honor.

Save 20% instantly when you buy both Lee Ellis leadership books together: 

Purchase in the Leading with Honor Online StorePurchase on Amazon

 

 

 

 

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Leadership History Lesson for May 2nd

On this day in leadership history in 1938, Ella Fitzgerald recorded “A-Tisket, A-Tasket” with Chick Webb’s band. Ella’s career led the way in jazz artistry as well as advancement for a woman of color. We’re celebrating her achievements today!

Ella Fitzgerald – Wikipedia

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Leading with Honor Wisdom for Today, April 30, 2021

“Resilience empowered by duty is vital to all organizational success.” – Lee Ellis

 

 

 

 

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The Latest Recommendation from Lee’s Bookshelf – “Make Your Bed”

The Latest Recommendation from Lee’s Bookshelf – “Make Your Bed: Little Things That Can Change Your Life…And Maybe the World” by William H. McRaven. On May 17, 2014, Admiral William H. McRaven addressed the graduating class of the University of Texas at Austin on their Commencement day.

Taking inspiration from the university’s slogan, “What starts here changes the world,” he shared the ten principles he learned during Navy Seal training that helped him overcome challenges not only in his training and long Naval career, but also throughout his life.

Please read more about this book on the Good Reads website.

If you’ve read this book, please post your comments and review below –

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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3 Facts to Bounce Back Even Stronger

Going through tough times that seem impossible. Simply not giving up when you want to call it quits. What personally comes to mind when you think about resilience?

Resilience was a matter of life and death for the Vietnam POWs. For our families back home, resilience was the only way they could have a life.

There were numerous reasons we POWs were able to resist, endure torture, and bounce back. First of all, we were a competitive and optimistic group. But much of what enabled us to hang in there for 5, 6, 7, or 8 years related to our sense of duty. Duty, the indispensable attribute taught in virtually every leadership training program, is built on a foundation of faithfulness, character, responsibility, and commitment. We were resilient because we were faithfully committed to each other and to our country.

Overall though, what are the critical points of resilience that are needed during challenging times to emerge with victory?

Life is a battle, and we all get knocked down. The challenge is to stay in the battle and fight to get back on your feet. It’s hard to defeat someone who won’t quit. You must believe in yourself. There are cycles and seasons, and we all go through ups and downs. You must believe that you can work through the challenges that come your way. You can’t fight this battle alone. POWs learned that isolation is a powerful weapon of the enemy. Have people around you who will encourage you—speaking truth into your life about who you are and how valuable you are.

Authentic leaders know that life is difficult. They expect to get knocked down, and they have the proper attitude and outlook to persevere. Please post your comments and experience too –

You can also read and watch more on this topic – “Which Leadership Behaviors Bounce Back Better?” 

 

 

 

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Two Powerful Statements About Managing Differences

“The book moves the needle on the need for personal behavioral self-awareness to how you deal with different styles.” — Raghu Misra, CEO and Founder of Wired2Perform, Jacksonville, FL

“Building a healthy team and company culture has been the heartbeat of my work over the last 33 years, and Leadership Behavior DNA is a must-read primer on the validated, scientific process to help all leaders learn the soft skills of managing diverse talents and differences.” – Dee Ann Turner, Former Vice President, Talent and Vice President, Sustainability (Retired), Chick-Fil-A; Communicator, Consultant, Coach, Dee Ann Turner LLC

Two powerful statements about the skill and practice of managing differences by understanding natural behavior.

Purchase your copy, and bulk savings packages are available for groups –

 

 

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Leadership History Lesson for April 25th

On this day in leadership history in 1990, the U.S. Hubble Space Telescope was placed into Earth’s orbit. It was released by the space shuttle Discovery. In the last 30 years, it has captured thousands of images teaching more about our galaxy and universe.

What’s the leadership lesson? What people or tools do you employ to look ahead? Day-to-day work is important, but honorable are also looking ahead to the future.

Hubble Space Telescope – Wikipedia

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Guest Article – Adapt Your Leadership by Lee Ellis

Newly published in the Christian Leadership Alliance blog, Lee Ellis helps all leaders learn how to adapt. How many times over the last year did you hear this from others? If there ever was a time during which you’ve had to adapt, it’s been the last 12 months.

Check out his article on the CLA website, and then post your wisdom and experience too –

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Leading with Honor Wisdom for Today, April 23, 2021

“To know yourself, you must sacrifice the illusion that you already do.” – Vironika Tugaleva

 

 

 

 

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