Leadership Conversations: Challenging High Potential Managers to Become Great Leaders

CHAPTER 15

Recognition—Making It All Worthwhile

Outstanding leaders go out of their way to boost the self-esteem of their people. When people believe in themselves, it’s amazing what they can accomplish.

—SAM WALTON

Some executives feel that work is a necessary evil that only produces a paycheck. They expect people to resent work, so they subconsciously assume the role of oppressor and treat people like victims. Such executives use criticism as a tool to prevent people from repeating unwanted behaviors. Yet criticism actually impedes their ability to lead by blocking conversations that improve performance. In contrast, effective leaders see work as inherently enjoyable and gratifying and seek to place people in positions where they feel rewarded ...