Air travel has never been glamorous but it is more challenging now than ever. The USA Today’s report that India’s Ambassador to the United States Meera Shankar was recently selected at Jackson-Evers International Airport for a pat-down was the latest in a number of highly publicized issues. While this has caused our country some embarrassment, it reminded me that there is a group of people who go through a “pat-down” on a daily basis.
Leaders, you experience a “pat-down” on a daily basis from those you lead.  It may not be physical or invasive, but the search is equally as thorough.  Your team is searching for the qualities that will determine the level of influence they are willing to give you.
You are being watched, selected, and probed for the following:
- Character - Do you have the right motives?
- Competency – Do you have the needed skill to lead? Â
- Work Ethic – Do you show enough effort?
- Passion – Do you own the results?
- Trust – Do you keep your word?
- Selfishness – Do you serve others or do you serve yourself?
- Personality – Do they enjoy being around you?
- Humor – Do you lighten their load?
- Commitment – Are you faithful?
- Balance – Are you aware I have a family?
- Intelligence – Are you smart?
- Self-Control – Do you over-react?
- Creativity – Can you think outside the box?
- Solutions – Do you have the answers?
- Generosity – Do you care about me?
Do you care about me? That’s really the question isn’t it. Do you as a leader care about your team?Â
Whether you realize it or not, each day your team gives you a “pat-down” searching for these qualities? Leaders, I leave you with one final question – If an airplane was influence, would you be allowed to board?
To receive future posts automatically, simply subscribe or click here.