CEOs and other leaders have certain expectations for the way they want their lieutenants to act – and they should! Each member of the leadership team has two jobs: 1) the function and 2) being a leader in the company. That leadership aspect is often unstated.
Creating a “Leadership Manifesto” helps you clarify your own thinking as well as communicate to the team your expectations.
What should be in your Leadership Manifesto? Qualities and behaviors you want your entire leadership team to embody. Here are a few examples:
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You are quick to learn new things, open to feedback, and overall have a growth mindset. You transfer that thinking to your team so that everyone is learning on the job rapidly and learning from mistakes
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Part of your job is to inspire and buoy up everyone around you, including the CEO herself from time to time. We absolutely need brutal realism, but bubbling just below the surface is a can-do spirit and determination that we can overcome every obstacle to win. Emotions are catching; make sure you manage yours.
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I can count on you. I know that you will take on what I ask you to or help me think through why it’s not a good idea. I know that you will do new things with wise judgment and in a way that works with our culture.
How about you? What’s in your Leadership Manifesto? I’d love to hear what you come up with!
