Adapted from The Self-Aware Leader: Play to Your Strengths, Unleash Your Team by John C. Maxwell
If you want to be an effective leader, you must take responsibility for helping your team win. How can you do that? By connecting with team members, getting to know who they are, learning to care about them, and finding ways for them to succeed individually and as a team.
Most leaders naturally fall into either the climber or connector camp. They are either focused on advancing in their career or connecting with their team and helping them advance. Which type of leader are you? Take a look at some of the differences between climbers and connectors:
Climbers Think Vertical—Connectors Think Horizontal
Climbers are always acutely aware of who is ahead of them and who is behind them in the standings or on the organizational chart. They are the way I was as a young leader—reading the reports to see where they rank so that they can get ahead. To them, moving up is very important, and the idea of moving down is unacceptable. Connectors, on the other hand, are focused on moving over to where their team members are and helping them. They think more about who is on the journey with them and how they can help them. They put the good of the team ahead of their own personal gain.
Climbers Focus on Position—Connectors Focus on Relationships
Because climbers are always thinking about moving up, they are often focused on their position. However, connectors are more focused on relationships. Unlike positional people who desire to climb the ladder, relational people are more focused on building bridges.
Climbers Value Competition—Connectors Value Cooperation
Climbers see nearly every- thing as a competition. For some, that can mean trying to win at
all costs. For others it can mean seeing success as an enjoyable game. Either way, they want to end up on top. Connectors, however, are more interested in using their relationships with others to foster cooperation. They see working together toward a greater goal as a win.
Climbers Seek Power—Connectors Seek Partnerships
If your mindset is always to win, then you naturally want power because it helps you to climb faster and reach the top more quickly. However, climbing the leadership ladder is really a solo endeavor. Working alone pales in significance to what you can do with a team of people. The way to create really high-powered teams is to form partnerships, which is what connectors are more likely to do.
Climbers Build Their Image—Connectors Build Consensus
To advance their careers and climb the organizational ladder, most leaders depend on others to promote them. Because of that, many climbers worry greatly about their image. They want to appear strong. They want to appear in charge. They want to appear successful. And some will do anything to maintain that image. Connectors, on the other hand, are more concerned with getting everyone on the same page so that they can work together. They seek common ground. They build consensus. They worry more about the unity of the team than standing out from the crowd.
Climbers Want to Stand Apart—Connectors Want to Stand Together
Climbers want to distinguish themselves from everybody else in the organization. Like racers, they want to create separation—to leave everyone else in the dust. Connectors, on the other hand, find ways to get closer to other people, to join with others so that they can stand together.
Lack of self-awareness is the single greatest obstacle leaders face in their development, effectiveness, and advancement. In The Self-Aware Leader, Dr. John C. Maxwell will help any leader become more self-aware, focused, and confident. You can order your copy today.