IDEAL MALE (WRONG!) MANAGER. BE LIKE LEADER-JOE!
Why has Joe (Estonian version of Juku, but to be more international I call him here Joe. Just to explain a bit more, then Juku is in Estonia the hero of many jokes, so my sincere apologies to all Joes for using their name as I sincerely mean no harm. Instead - I hope that you are proud to be Joes once having read how great Leader-Joe is! :)) become the black sheep of many local jokes? Without finding any rational explanation to it, I have decided to change “poor silly Joe” into my leadership path’s “wow, hotshot Joe”.
Or in other words: as a facilitator, coach, leader, colleague, subordinate, and, first-and-foremost, as an individual I have seen Leaders with a capital “L” as well as plenty of those who –hmmmmm!- have happened to end up in this role for one reason or the other. By the way, each and every one of them has been truly inspiring: some of them have given the “I can fly- want to grow-wish to be even better” feeling, whilst others have made me sigh deeply and made me take a firm stand that “I will never ever want to be or become like that”. Exactly from such direct experiences as well as the result of the success stories of true (world) leaders, I have created an embodiment of a true and universal Leader. Please let me introduce you – Leader-Joe! Oh yes, and wishing very much to be politically correct, then I already apologize in advance to all female Leaders. I confirm that a true Leader is genderless (as it is actually Joe, despite the name!), and you are more than welcome to replace the name with another, more suitable for you. Ok, but let’s get to it now!
“Thank you” holds an important place in Leader-Joe’s vocabulary
Leader-Joe does not assume that people surrounding him can read his thoughts, hence this is why he expresses his sincere gratitude as much as necessary and as often as needed. Mumbling something “thank you”–like once a year during a performance review is not Leader-Joe’s style. His appreciation is sincere, regular, and verbal. He knows that expressing one’s wholehearted gratitude on time and for a relevant thing is encouraging – it works wonders for the one on the receiving end as well as to Leader-Joe himself! Win-win all around!
Leader-Joe thinks US, not I
Leader-Joe does not hit with his fist on his chest at every possible moment that “I say, I decide, I know, I do”. This due to a very simple reason: it is not a healthy nor progressive authority. Vice versa: Leader-Joe involves, listens, respects, and puts into practice also the proposals of others. He cares about the people surrounding him, he cares about the opinion as well as welfare of each and everyone, and he creates a feeling that we TOGETHER do-create-achieve.
Communication is a 2-way thing for Leader-Joe
Leader-Joe is a sort of leader to whom your written emails do not disappear in the black hole or the talk does not go to deaf ears. Leader-Joe is there for his people, and instead of a monologue, practices an open and honest 2-way dialogue – this is exactly where big ideas and actions are born!
Leader-Joe gives regular feedback
For Leader-Joe feedbacking is not a box ticker exercise that is carried out during the annual performance reviews, but actually a meaningful and goal-orientated activity with the message that “our co-operation matters to me and I take time for it”. He knows that feedback is not only about work-related matters, handing out assignments, and thereafter running away to enthusiastically start carrying them out: it is when praises are exchanged, constructive remarks given, and expectations to each other as colleagues, but also as individuals are expressed. Since it being an important growth point for Leader-Joe himself, he is well aware that the time dedicated to is a valuable investment!
Leader-Joe REALLY does see!
Leader-Joe never takes the people surrounding him for granted: he notices and values everyone’s contribution fairly without being driven by one’s own personal emotions a la “he is a better friend to me, hence I give him more perks”.
Leader-Joe is self-aware
Leader-Joe is not only brave enough in the mornings to look in the mirror and admit that despite the application of the whole hair care set he is still having a bad hair day, but he has the courage as well as will to look truly honestly and constructively inside himself. Even when this image at times happens to be Dorian Gray-like ugly! Leader-Joe is a big enough person to apologize for his mistakes, ask from himself: “How can I prevent such situations in the future from happening and what did I learn from this experience?” as well as a result actually becomes a better leader (but first and foremost also a better person).
Leader-Joe listens, not hears!
Have you ever come across an individual with a formal title of a leader who at any possible opportunity speaks over others, interrupts rudely in other people’s conversations, whilst at the same time showing 0 respect towards his companions? Well, that is not Leader-Joe at all. Leader-Joe listens to his companions, analysis what he has heard, remains flexible in his opinion until having heard all facts-opinions, and only in the end speaks up. He respects his people: he considers their thoughts pure gold and believes that them sharing them is the basis of success achieved together.
Leader-Joe does not gossip
Even whilst being in an emotional state, Leader-Joe does not grab for a cup of coffee in order to ventilate together with his follower(s) on the subject “What a total jerk!” behind closed doors. When there is an issue, then Leader-Joe speaks to this person directly, openly, and in a manner that is orientated to co-operation and this without pushing the unpleasant talks to mold under carpet. His goal is to understand the other person, make himself understood, and together find a solution. Leader-Joe moves forward without stamping on people, but instead taking them along with him.
Leader-Joe is a role model with his honesty and fairness
Leader-Joe does not speak about how honest and fair he is, but he demonstrates it with his actions on daily basis. Being the embodiment of these values, he is a role model to others and does not breach them no matter what or for who. That is why Leader-Joe can hit the sack every night with a peaceful heart, because he has no problem whatsoever to face his conscious in the pitch-black of the night.
Leader-Joe can control his emotions
Leader-Joe does not get upset, so that his face turns purple and steam starts coming out of his ears. He also does not publicly pull any grimaces to humiliate others in order to demonstrate his emotional state. Please do not get me wrong: Leader-Joe is all human who feels all sorts of different emotions, but he always acts with integrity, does not lose self-control nor cause others feeling bad as a result of his inability to control his emotions. Leader-Joe respects people and he is not self-centred to cause irreparable damage whilst being captured by his own feelings.
Leader-Joe inspires
Leader-Joe is no lab miracle or übermench – he inspires others by who he is! He is an ethical role model who is emphatic and aware of oneself as well as people surrounding him. He is not afraid to be in the battlefield or in the mud up to his knees. He is an individual who is sincerely curious, continuously growing, and has a clear vision. He leads, not is being led.
Leader-Joe believes in people’s potential
Leader-Joe believes that human potential is like a rubber band that can transform into new heights when being supported and encouraged. That is why Leader-Joe wishes to be such a shoulder for his people on their journey, in order for them to make their dreams tangible.
Leader-Joe is respected, not feared
Leader-Joe has earned his position since he is professionally competent, inspiring, dignified, progressive, and respected. People are not friends with him because they are scared of losing their jobs. They know that they can discuss with him about everything openly and honestly, give him feedback, and be completely sure that it does not lead into some sort of sick witch-hunt. Leader-Joe does not believe in witches and is hunting together with his people only the commonly created success stories.
Leader-Joe sees solutions, not issues!
Leader-Joe does not speak about issues. Oh no, instead he speaks of exciting opportunities and solutions. In order for having multiple options and the journey to the top to be more enjoyable, he always involves his people with whom they together cross all hills, deserts, and jungles.
Leader-Joe believes in lessons, not failures
Leader-Joe never states that he has all the correct answers in his back pocket. Vice versa, he is too much of a human as well as humane to make mistakes himself as well as allow others blunder in a safe environment. He is convinced that each and every mistake is a valuable lesson and learning curve which results us being even better versions of ourselves.
Leader-Joe is universal
Leader-Joe succeeds everywhere – he is not limited only to one organization-country-culture. His values as a leader, professional, and individual are universal which is why he has plenty to share with the public, and this way create exciting opportunities for everyone as well as everywhere.
Leader-Joe hushes the green-eyed monster away!
The green-eyed monster does not belong in the list of Leader-Joe’s companions. He is sincerely and wholeheartedly pleased for his people’s success, expresses happiness, and encourages them along the way. No matter how far or high someone aims for, Leader-Joe is always there to give them the well-deserved applause and blow even more air into their wings.
To sum it up
Leader-Joe creates a genuine emotion of “Awesome, I want to carry on growing!” The most important thing is to realise that being a leader is not about a title or profession as such – it is about who you are as a person and personality. Or when quoting the Iron Lady Maggie Thatcher: „ Being powerful is like being a lady. If you have to tell people you are, you aren’t.”
Article published in Estonian under the title of "Ideaalne mees (vale!) juht. Ole nagu liidri-Juku!" in a leadership magazine Director (August 2016).
Or in other words: as a facilitator, coach, leader, colleague, subordinate, and, first-and-foremost, as an individual I have seen Leaders with a capital “L” as well as plenty of those who –hmmmmm!- have happened to end up in this role for one reason or the other. By the way, each and every one of them has been truly inspiring: some of them have given the “I can fly- want to grow-wish to be even better” feeling, whilst others have made me sigh deeply and made me take a firm stand that “I will never ever want to be or become like that”. Exactly from such direct experiences as well as the result of the success stories of true (world) leaders, I have created an embodiment of a true and universal Leader. Please let me introduce you – Leader-Joe! Oh yes, and wishing very much to be politically correct, then I already apologize in advance to all female Leaders. I confirm that a true Leader is genderless (as it is actually Joe, despite the name!), and you are more than welcome to replace the name with another, more suitable for you. Ok, but let’s get to it now!
“Thank you” holds an important place in Leader-Joe’s vocabulary
Leader-Joe does not assume that people surrounding him can read his thoughts, hence this is why he expresses his sincere gratitude as much as necessary and as often as needed. Mumbling something “thank you”–like once a year during a performance review is not Leader-Joe’s style. His appreciation is sincere, regular, and verbal. He knows that expressing one’s wholehearted gratitude on time and for a relevant thing is encouraging – it works wonders for the one on the receiving end as well as to Leader-Joe himself! Win-win all around!
Leader-Joe thinks US, not I
Leader-Joe does not hit with his fist on his chest at every possible moment that “I say, I decide, I know, I do”. This due to a very simple reason: it is not a healthy nor progressive authority. Vice versa: Leader-Joe involves, listens, respects, and puts into practice also the proposals of others. He cares about the people surrounding him, he cares about the opinion as well as welfare of each and everyone, and he creates a feeling that we TOGETHER do-create-achieve.
Communication is a 2-way thing for Leader-Joe
Leader-Joe is a sort of leader to whom your written emails do not disappear in the black hole or the talk does not go to deaf ears. Leader-Joe is there for his people, and instead of a monologue, practices an open and honest 2-way dialogue – this is exactly where big ideas and actions are born!
Leader-Joe gives regular feedback
For Leader-Joe feedbacking is not a box ticker exercise that is carried out during the annual performance reviews, but actually a meaningful and goal-orientated activity with the message that “our co-operation matters to me and I take time for it”. He knows that feedback is not only about work-related matters, handing out assignments, and thereafter running away to enthusiastically start carrying them out: it is when praises are exchanged, constructive remarks given, and expectations to each other as colleagues, but also as individuals are expressed. Since it being an important growth point for Leader-Joe himself, he is well aware that the time dedicated to is a valuable investment!
Leader-Joe REALLY does see!
Leader-Joe never takes the people surrounding him for granted: he notices and values everyone’s contribution fairly without being driven by one’s own personal emotions a la “he is a better friend to me, hence I give him more perks”.
Leader-Joe is self-aware
Leader-Joe is not only brave enough in the mornings to look in the mirror and admit that despite the application of the whole hair care set he is still having a bad hair day, but he has the courage as well as will to look truly honestly and constructively inside himself. Even when this image at times happens to be Dorian Gray-like ugly! Leader-Joe is a big enough person to apologize for his mistakes, ask from himself: “How can I prevent such situations in the future from happening and what did I learn from this experience?” as well as a result actually becomes a better leader (but first and foremost also a better person).
Leader-Joe listens, not hears!
Have you ever come across an individual with a formal title of a leader who at any possible opportunity speaks over others, interrupts rudely in other people’s conversations, whilst at the same time showing 0 respect towards his companions? Well, that is not Leader-Joe at all. Leader-Joe listens to his companions, analysis what he has heard, remains flexible in his opinion until having heard all facts-opinions, and only in the end speaks up. He respects his people: he considers their thoughts pure gold and believes that them sharing them is the basis of success achieved together.
Leader-Joe does not gossip
Even whilst being in an emotional state, Leader-Joe does not grab for a cup of coffee in order to ventilate together with his follower(s) on the subject “What a total jerk!” behind closed doors. When there is an issue, then Leader-Joe speaks to this person directly, openly, and in a manner that is orientated to co-operation and this without pushing the unpleasant talks to mold under carpet. His goal is to understand the other person, make himself understood, and together find a solution. Leader-Joe moves forward without stamping on people, but instead taking them along with him.
Leader-Joe is a role model with his honesty and fairness
Leader-Joe does not speak about how honest and fair he is, but he demonstrates it with his actions on daily basis. Being the embodiment of these values, he is a role model to others and does not breach them no matter what or for who. That is why Leader-Joe can hit the sack every night with a peaceful heart, because he has no problem whatsoever to face his conscious in the pitch-black of the night.
Leader-Joe can control his emotions
Leader-Joe does not get upset, so that his face turns purple and steam starts coming out of his ears. He also does not publicly pull any grimaces to humiliate others in order to demonstrate his emotional state. Please do not get me wrong: Leader-Joe is all human who feels all sorts of different emotions, but he always acts with integrity, does not lose self-control nor cause others feeling bad as a result of his inability to control his emotions. Leader-Joe respects people and he is not self-centred to cause irreparable damage whilst being captured by his own feelings.
Leader-Joe inspires
Leader-Joe is no lab miracle or übermench – he inspires others by who he is! He is an ethical role model who is emphatic and aware of oneself as well as people surrounding him. He is not afraid to be in the battlefield or in the mud up to his knees. He is an individual who is sincerely curious, continuously growing, and has a clear vision. He leads, not is being led.
Leader-Joe believes in people’s potential
Leader-Joe believes that human potential is like a rubber band that can transform into new heights when being supported and encouraged. That is why Leader-Joe wishes to be such a shoulder for his people on their journey, in order for them to make their dreams tangible.
Leader-Joe is respected, not feared
Leader-Joe has earned his position since he is professionally competent, inspiring, dignified, progressive, and respected. People are not friends with him because they are scared of losing their jobs. They know that they can discuss with him about everything openly and honestly, give him feedback, and be completely sure that it does not lead into some sort of sick witch-hunt. Leader-Joe does not believe in witches and is hunting together with his people only the commonly created success stories.
Leader-Joe sees solutions, not issues!
Leader-Joe does not speak about issues. Oh no, instead he speaks of exciting opportunities and solutions. In order for having multiple options and the journey to the top to be more enjoyable, he always involves his people with whom they together cross all hills, deserts, and jungles.
Leader-Joe believes in lessons, not failures
Leader-Joe never states that he has all the correct answers in his back pocket. Vice versa, he is too much of a human as well as humane to make mistakes himself as well as allow others blunder in a safe environment. He is convinced that each and every mistake is a valuable lesson and learning curve which results us being even better versions of ourselves.
Leader-Joe is universal
Leader-Joe succeeds everywhere – he is not limited only to one organization-country-culture. His values as a leader, professional, and individual are universal which is why he has plenty to share with the public, and this way create exciting opportunities for everyone as well as everywhere.
Leader-Joe hushes the green-eyed monster away!
The green-eyed monster does not belong in the list of Leader-Joe’s companions. He is sincerely and wholeheartedly pleased for his people’s success, expresses happiness, and encourages them along the way. No matter how far or high someone aims for, Leader-Joe is always there to give them the well-deserved applause and blow even more air into their wings.
To sum it up
Leader-Joe creates a genuine emotion of “Awesome, I want to carry on growing!” The most important thing is to realise that being a leader is not about a title or profession as such – it is about who you are as a person and personality. Or when quoting the Iron Lady Maggie Thatcher: „ Being powerful is like being a lady. If you have to tell people you are, you aren’t.”
Article published in Estonian under the title of "Ideaalne mees (vale!) juht. Ole nagu liidri-Juku!" in a leadership magazine Director (August 2016).