The Most Frustrating Thing A Leader Can Do

Recently I was at a person’s house who had a dog.  It was a good dog.  The dog was everything you would want out of pet.  It was part of the family, very playful, extremely cute, and had a tremendous amount of energy.  It only had one problem – it barked continually.

What I found interesting was what it would and would not bark at.  At one point in the afternoon, the dog ran to the door and began barking at an alarming rate.  We looked outside and the only thing that was happening is leaves were falling.  The dog was barking at falling leaves!  Later, the dog barked at ants.  And I don’t want to tell what happened when a bird flew by.

But then the landscapers showed up.  About a half-dozen men were doing yard work literally 3 feet from the door.  Do you think the dog barked?  NO!  She just sat there peacefully and watched the workers go about their business.

We laughed about how the dog was doing a great job protecting the family from falling leaves but if an unwelcome guest walked up to the door, the dog was of no use.

Sadly, I know many leaders who are just like that dog.  They spend the majority of their time and influence barking at leaves, things that don’t matter.  They focus on the wrong things, things that do not affect the bottom line.  Meanwhile, with trouble at the door, they have no concern or sense of urgency.

The most frustrating thing a leader can do is answer questions no one is asking. 

Leaders, here is an exercise that will help you not frustrate those you are called to serve.  Continually ask the following questions:

• What are the Top 5 questions my team is currently asking regarding how to do their job better?
• What are the Top 5 issues my customers are facing?
• What are the Top 5 concerns the people in our churches are dealing with?
• What are the Top 5 dreams of those I am serving and pouring my life into?
• What are the Top 5 needs my spouse and children have?

As a leader, if you focus on these items and avoid “barking at leaves”, you will be a more effective leader and receive greater loyalty from those you serve.

Leaders, could you answer the questions above?  If not, you may be frustrating your people.  Don’t be a leader who barks at leaves.

Enter your email address here and start receiving future posts from this site.

Download your FREE copy of my new eBook The 2011 Year In Hollywood Movies – Leadership Edition today by clicking here.