(eighth in a series titled Issues Managers Face in the Workplace)

Each day we start out with a full tank, an emotional and physical energy source, replenished nightly. Through our interactions each day, these resources are depleted, leaving us ‘spent’ by day’s end. Same goes for our teams. One difference: as managers, we may be called upon to be a significant emotional fuel source for our employees.

One of my all-time favorite television drama series is The West Wing. Bradley Whitford portrayed Deputy White House Chief of Staff Josh Lyman in the fictional Jed Bartlet Administration. Josh is easily the most engaging character in the series, IMHO.

I Am Not “The Guy”

On The West Wing, Josh was told by President Bartlet, “You’re not The Guy. You’re the guy the Guy relies on.” This understanding and clarity was a tremendous boost for Josh and showed just how important his work was to the President. Does your team know how important their work is to the organization?

This Is Where I Eat

Working as the top aide to the President’s Chief of Staff required a tremendous amount of courage, patience, energy, edge, enthusiasm, and execution skills. Josh was continually under an incredible amount of pressure. In one particular situation, most of the staff had been working 18 hours straight and it appeared they would have to work through the night. Many people were tired beyond exhaustion. Yet Josh seemed to have boundless energy. When asked why he was so enthused with the work ahead, he responded, “Are you kidding me? This is where I eat.” Imagine being that connected, that committed, to your work that you look at an insurmountable challenge as right where you want to be. His courage led the team through the obstacles and on to success the next day.

Let’s Make Big Plays Today

Josh was fond of walking briskly into the office each day, seemingly holding five conversations at once, with his faithful assistant, Donna Moss, at his side with phone messages, meeting requests, and many fires to put out. His morning greeting to his team? “Let’s make big plays today!” Cheering, leading, expecting, excellence. If you demonstrate and give excellence to your employees, and expect excellence in return, you will make big plays with your team as well.

__________________________

Don’t underestimate the emotional commitment and maturity it takes to lead people. This is the one skill that is constantly being honed by even the best of the best. Here are a few resources to help you with emotional intelligence and managing people:

Joe Raasch :: Feb.01.2008 :: Employee Engagement, Leadership :: No Comments »