Known as one of history's smartest human beings, Albert Einstein never attributed his success to intelligence.
Instead, he worked to be a person of rich character, and believed any accomplishment he made was due more to that. His views are relevant to today's leaders, looking for effective ways to motivate people to greater results.
1. Your goal is not to be important. It is to be of value to those you serve.
“Strive not to be a success, but rather
to be of value.”
Today, so many of us focus on making a lot of money, being successful and looking important. An effective leader focusses on none of these things. She or he is all about contributing value and being of service. When the focus is on these things, results happen quickly. People become appreciative and empowered.
2. Rather than "tell", ask questions.
“I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious.”
The effective leader is a questioner, not a teller. Einstein was not in awe of authority. He did not blindly accept what he was told. Instead, he questioned. (At age 15, Einstein asked himself what it would be like if he could travel at the speed of light on a motorcycle).
Encourage your team to find their own answers by asking, "What do you recommend?" Make curiosity acceptable and desired. Each day, embed these questions within the corporate culture: "what if?" and "why not?"
Value talent, but value passionate curiosity even more. The questioning company is one constantly learning, establishing new ground.
3. Encourage free thought among your team members.
“Logic will get you from A to B. Imagination will take you everywhere.”
In your next team meeting, encourage people to put all ideas on the table, no matter how strange they may seem at first. The giant toy company Mattel began as a picture frame business. But an idea to use left-over wooden scraps from the frames to create doll houses led to bigger things. In today's competitive environment, no business can sustain itself without imagination and a constant flow of ideas from everyone - receptionist to CEO.
4. Practice and preach honesty even in the smallest of things.
“Whoever is careless with the truth in small matters cannot be trusted with
important matters.”
I've done it myself. We've all done it, but it can hurt us. Tiny inaccuracies to make ourselves look better, stretching the truth or exaggerating. Truthfulness and accuracy are key indicators of good character. If we can't be straight about the small things, how will people trust us on the big issues?
5. Allow and encourage creativity, and witness miracles.
“Creativity is intelligence having fun.”
Our workplaces have become infected with tedium, backstabbing and malaise. Encourage creativity by offering work-related rewards for doing things better and faster. To make others enjoy their work more, set an example by enjoying yourself. Allow laughter. Smile. Crack a joke. Show your human side. People are not machines. People are motivated to be creative if there is an air of playfulness, joy and comradery.
6. Treat everyone the same - with respect.
“I speak to everyone in the same way, whether he is the garbage man or the president of the university.”
Leaders with character do not play favorites. The moment they do, morale plummets and is difficult to regain. I recall having a boss once who completely ignored me. My resentment grew daily. Acknowledge everyone. Each team member deserves a little bit of your attention. A smile and word of support from the boss will set the positive tone for the day. In his early years, the Nobel Prize-winning Einstein worked as a lowly clerk in a patent office. There may be Einstein's among your team.
It is not well known, but Einstein, who was born in Germany, was targeted by Hitler to be killed.
So in 1933, Einstein moved to the United States, a place he appreciated because he said it allowed "free thought". He would remain in the U.S. until his death in 1955.
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