Leaders who clearly state what they want don’t need to manage people. The leader’s specific wants are the most aligned with the organization’s needs because they’re the only ones who see the entire picture. When people know what’s wanted, they feel safe and can self-organize.
“Cleanly” means without fear or apology. If you ask for what you want while scared of being attacked, you’ll say it harshly, making people less likely to give it. If you hedge—“oh, you’re never going to want to do this”—your body language says “don’t give me what I want.”
“Your wants, your specific wants, are the best aligned wants to the wants of the organization.”
One executive got so good at this—always stating her wants and supporting her people—that when the company ran out of money, everyone stayed and worked without pay. If people are willing to do that, how much management do you really need?
Related Concepts
- Owning wants means being okay with having them
- Wanting is aliveness
- Codependence comes from not owning wants