We all work hard to pay our bills on time, keep low balances, and watch our debt ratios – all with the plan for our responsible financial dealings to result in a strong credit score. How we handle the resource of our money can make a huge difference in our ability to live the lives we want to live and sleep at night. There are a bunch of companies that have made it their business to help us keep track of our credit scores. You’ve probably seen the commercials ranging from well-dressed banker types to singing pirates, all who just want to help! It’s a good idea to keep an eye on it all. However, that is not the credit score I want to talk about today. I want you to know about an entirely different kind of credit score. This isn’t the credit you earn or receive, but rather, it’s the credit you give.
In my book All Things Leadership, I introduced you to my concept of “Selfless Leadership,” which is a hybrid of servant leadership with a few other theories and styles mixed in. There are three primary things that make up selfless leadership, the second being “Give away the spotlight.” I state, “Although a selfless leader may be highly gifted and attract attention, they don’t overtly seek the spotlight and are always on the lookout for opportunities to elevate others.” In other words, they give away the credit!
Recently I have been reminded of how fortunate I am to work with a great team of people. Some are peers, some are colleagues, some are on my team, and all of them are highly gifted and do wonderful work. I’m a big picture guy. I love to be part of the overall process, strategizing how to move from point A to point Z, and being a part of the creative process. I’m really good at keeping the proverbial plates spinning in the air, and the more projects I have going at once, the happier I truly am. However, I must say that if I didn’t have the people around me helping with all the myriad of details I create, some of those plates would most certainly drop to the floor and shatter. I am so grateful for those who listen to my big picture plan and then help me make it happen.
Here’s the point of all this. I rely on talented people to help make things happen, but often when the end product is unveiled, I get a big part of the credit because I was the leader overseeing things. This is when I try to make sure that my credit score goes up. Whenever I can, I try to make sure that the ones who have been so critical in making things happen are mentioned, thanked, and celebrated. I believe that this is critical in developing a team of people who are committed and enthusiastic about the work and mission that we share. Sure, I get some of the credit (I do actually do more than think up things for others to do!), but I always try to deflect compliments to the people who deserve the recognition.
So, leader – how’s your credit score? Are you secure enough in yourself that you can give away the spotlight and let others receive the credit they deserve? It takes a selfless leader to do so. I want to challenge all of us to be on the lookout for the times when we can let someone else get the credit. Plus, let’s all remember to thank our teams and colleagues in sincere and tangible ways. Each time we do, they gain and our credit score goes up! Remember the old adage, “It’s amazing what can be accomplished when it doesn’t matter who gets the credit!”
Lead well.