Forbes recently released an article that addresses what is dubbed “hero leader syndrome.” The syndrome typically affects the do-it-alls, type-A personalities and the self-starters. Though Forbes is writing to a business\/workplace audience, no sphere of life is exempt from the mindset and behavior they describe. The article begins strong:<\/p>\n
Are you a what I refer to as a \u201chero leader?\u201d Do you like to swoop-in and save the day? Do you see yourself as the white knight who can solve any problem or challenge? If you do, you have what I refer to as \u201dhero leader syndrome.\u201d Any leader\u2019s belief that he or she can do everything better than anyone else is a root cause of inhibiting workforce productivity. Creating unnecessary dependencies between leaders and team members, while often unintentional and\/or well-intended, is nonetheless a far too common practice for the \u201chero leader.\u201d In today\u2019s column we\u2019ll take a look at the myth of the hero leader\u2026<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
So what do you do if you feel pinned after reading this? Thankfully, contributor Mike Myatt gives leaders like me some hope:<\/p>\n
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- Be Sincere<\/strong>. Forget about what\u2019s in it for you, and think about how you can help the person you\u2019re communicating with…<\/li>\n
- Be Effective<\/strong>. Don\u2019t ask questions that can be answered with a simple yes or no…<\/li>\n
- Be Challenging. <\/strong>Use questions to stimulate and challenge. Ask questions that are insightful such that they require thought to be answered…<\/li>\n
- Be Personal<\/strong>. Get personal in your questioning. Use questions that encourage the other person to reveal their thoughts and emotions…<\/li>\n
- Be Competent<\/strong>. Demonstrate your competency without giving the answer away. Ask questions that reveal your subject matter expertise, and that demonstrate your ability to provide meaningful solutions without actually doing so…<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/blockquote>\n