Scaling Leadership

Chapter 7 The Canceling Effect Are You Canceling Yourself Out?

How many times have we heard people say, “He can’t get out of his own way.” “She keeps shooting herself in the foot.” “He is canceling himself out.” “Could you believe that conversation? It completely undid all that we’ve done for the last three weeks.” Our personal favorite is, “He or she keeps stepping on a rake.” Not a pretty sight!

These statements are indicative of what we call the Canceling Effect. When leaders, or entire leadership organizations, experience the Canceling Effect, their strengths are canceled out by their liabilities. As a result, their leadership cannot and does not scale.

Here is feedback to Jim, a senior leader. In these comments, you can clearly see the Canceling Effect at work in his leadership.

Jim is all over the map in his management style—from extremely professional and centered, to childish and petty. He needs to believe in the values he espouses and then align his behavior consistently with those values.

Jim seems a bit disconnected on a personal level from those he should be mentoring. While I know he is often pressed for time, I suggest that he strive to connect with those in the organization and be willing to share some of himself to develop a bond with them so they want to follow him.

Jim undervalues the power of relationships and the synergies those relationships can create in accomplishing his vision and those of others. He tends to go it alone, instead of working to figure ...