“Business, like life, is all about how you make people feel. It’s that simple, and it’s that hard.”
Danny Meyer
Danny Meyer is an extremely successful restaurateur. I knew very little about Danny Meyer until my youngest son, who owns four restaurants, suggested I read Meyer’s book Setting the Table. I came away from reading that book with a great deal of respect for Danny Meyer and his philosophies on leadership and on thriving in the extremely challenging hospitality industry.
You could take above quote from Meyer and substitute the word leadership for the word business.
“Leadership, like life, is all about how you make people feel. It’s that simple, and it’s that hard.”
Leadership is about making people feel valued, appreciated, heard, and seen. It is about making them feel like they are supported, and that their leader has their back. It is about making people feel like their leader believes in them and is invested in their growth and development. It is about making people feel like their efforts are contributing to something bigger than themselves. It is about making them feel safe knowing that it is ok to raise their hand and say, “I don’t know”, “I don’t understand.” “I need more training.” or “I need help.”
Leadership is simple, not easy. Simple is, “The lack of complexity.” Easy is, “The lack of effort.” It is that simple, and it is that hard. It is hard because leadership involves one human leading other humans and humans can be complex creatures.
Leadership is hard work. You need to be willing to show up every day and do the work. Leadership sometimes feels lonely. Leadership requires courage, curiosity, vulnerability and humility. Great leaders don’t always get it right, but the people who choose to follow them know they are striving to get it right and are willing to learn and grow from their mistakes and failures.
Ask yourself the following questions. The answers may be insightful.
- What would it be like to be led by me?
- How would it feel to have me as a leader?
- Am I someone I would voluntarily follow?
Leadership, it’s all about how you make people feel. It’s that simple and it’s that hard.
Remember that leadership is a choice and a journey. Choose well, keep learning and enjoy the journey.
Note: The Dare to Be Great: Strategies for Creating a Culture of Leading online workshop can help you on your leadership journey.
Brian Willis