Grow Your Leadership Heart Three Sizes

Grow Your Leadership Heart Three Sizes

“And what happened, then? Well, in Whoville they say – that the Grinch’s small heart grew three sizes that day.” Dr. Suess

What would happen if your heart grew three sizes?

3 Things Small Hearted Leaders Say:

#1. “Double it.”

Demand results in half the time it would normally take with twice the resources. Push people to figure things out on their own.

#2. “Do it my way.”

Shoot down every new idea. Grumble, “That’s not how we do things here.” Stifle innovation and growth.

#3. “No fun.”

Sad leaders hate happiness in others. “So whatever the reason, his heart or his shoes, he stood outside his cave, hating the Whos.” Dr. Suess

A leader with a small heart works when others celebrate.

Say, “We’re here to work, not celebrate.” Forget milestones like years of service. Eliminate workplace traditions like casual Fridays or pizza parties. Shout, “Productivity is painful.”

Small hearted leaders ignore achievements. Say, “You’re just doing your job,” instead of showing gratitude.

Grow a Leadership Heart:

Leading with heart begins with a bigger way of seeing – a courageous way. The Grinch’s breakthrough happened like a bolt of lightning when he realized there was more to joy than presents.

Worry less about feelings and more about actions. William James said, “we should pay primary attention to what we do and express, and not to care too much for what we feel…” (Library of Congress)

Hearts grow when perspective changes. For example, the more you need to get done, the more you need to care for people.

If you want to grow a leadership heart do what leaders with heart do.

What do big hearted leaders think, say, or do?