In Part 2, we likened supervisors and managers to shepherds during the agricultural period of the world. Shepherds had the important responsibility of watching over a flock of sheep, which had great value.
- Likewise, our supervisors and managers have the key responsibility to watch over an organization’s people, which typically are called its most valuable asset.
- The importance of this role is increased during the current period in which jobs are plentiful and candidates are not; and therefore high levels of retention is key.
Part 2 also discussed three of the attributes of a shepherd of people: 1) establishing and maintaining boundaries; 2) cultivating a strong bond of trust; and 3) being an example.
Here in Part 3, we’ll talk about some additional attributes of a “Shepherd Leaders”.
- Before doing so, let’s address the question of should leading be from the front or from the rear. The answer is from both — but equally importantly is leading in the midst of those you lead, with the best positioning of the leader varying at different times.
4) Provision
- “Shepherd Leaders” provides for the needs of those they lead.
- Employees differ from one differ both in terms of what their needs are and in their expectations about those needs being met.
- A leader should know her/his people well enough to understand which employee is in need of what at any given time – this requires listening and watching.
- These leaders genuinely care about those for whom they are responsible.
- This means caring about individuals as people and not just as someone who makes a product or provides a service — a “whole person” approach.
- Caring from the heart, not the brain. At times it entails providing stability, comfort and possibly even courage.
5) Sacrificial
- “Shepherd Leaders” knowingly choose personal sacrifice for the wellbeing of her/his people.
- As an example, they do not “throw people under the bus” when something goes wrong, despite the potential blowback directly onto them.
- These leaders know it’s not about them; it’s about those they lead.
- & in turn what’s in the best interests of the organization
6) Invested
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- Shepherd Leaders have a personal stake in the well-being of their people.
- Like the shepherd with his sheep, these leaders are not going to abandon those they lead because of the organizational landscape has them in a valley rather than on a mountain top.
- These shepherds stick with their people when the going gets tough or dangerous.
- They are personally invested in and committed to those they lead.
7) Relational
- “Shepherds of People” put in the takes the time, energy and effort to build solid and genuine relationships with those they lead.
- As a result, their people know the “Shepherd Leaders” voice and trust it.
- They are drawn to others and are committed to learning how they think and feel, by noticing changes in behavior
- These leaders listen with a purpose to truly understand rather than to be understood and responding appropriately.
8) Visionary
- “Shepherd Leaders” have a vision for the future and move toward it.
- They know it is not enough to announce the path forward and expect that everyonewill go down the right path and stay on it.
- They know that there will be rough terrain, that green pastures and still waters may be scarce, that disease may strike the flock. Still, they find a way to frame a positive yet realistic vision of the future.
- Leaders know the importance of providing hopeful vision about the future of the organization and the role of each person and the team as a whole in it.
If your organization needs help with Leadership Development, Trinity’s Team of Consultants can provide expert and affordable assistance.
For more information:
- Email Trinity at info@TrintyHR.net
- Visit our website at www.TrinityHR.net
- Call us at 856.905.1762 or Toll Free at 877.228.6810
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