Results Matter

We have all heard it many times in our career, “Results Matter!” That is true, we get paid for results. The results we deliver are how people measure our contributions to the organization. Moreover, it is rare in my career to see someone who does not get results have success. I think we can all agree this is a basic truth of leadership, you are judged by the results you achieve.

The LEADER (Lead – Engage – Achieve – Develop – Empower – Results) behaviors are built around this idea; results is one of the six key behaviors of leadership. But results are more than just what you achieve. What is important to remember is that how results are achieved is just as important as the results themselves. 

“people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” – Maya Angelou 

How do you make your teams feel? Over my career, I have seen leaders who focus on “results at all costs.” They leave scorched earth everywhere they go. Their teams are burnt up or burnt out by the process. They achieve the results; but at what cost? We have all seen the leader that compromises his or her integrity for the sake of results. Selling out comes at a great cost and it will eventually catch up to you. Or what about the leader that stands on the backs of others for the sake of results? Working like this is just not sustainable.   If you want to build the type of organizations others will envy, it starts with culture. And culture starts with making people feel like they matter, and they are part of something that matters to them.   

“True leadership must be for the benefit of the followers, not to enrich the leader.” – John C. Maxwell 

People need support and encouragement. Sustainable leadership is about more than just understanding what people want, it is about anticipating what people need. This only happens when leaders take the time to get to know their teams. Moreover, leaders must be willing to put the needs of the team ahead of their own desires. When done successfully, this propels organizations to new heights and extraordinary results. When people know they matter, that their voices are heard, and the leader has their best interests in mind, they will give 100% or more to the cause.

“People know that pursuing a mission without achieving results is dispiriting; achieving results without a mission is meaningless.” – Frances Hesselbein 

Let that sink in. You can achieve results but unless those results are tied to a mission or a cause it hurts the culture of the organization. On the flip side, when a leader takes time to explain the “mission” and connects the cause to the wants and interests of the team, the team is strengthened even if the results fall short of the goals. This is where a leader’s ability to define and communicate the vision is critical.   

“You don’t get results by focusing on results. You get results by focusing on the actions that produce results” – Mike Hawkins 

And that sums it up. If you want results, focus on the behaviors, not the outcomes. The LEADER (Lead – Engage – Achieve – Develop – Empower – Results) model encapsulate the behaviors that matter. Practicing and mastering these skills will help to strengthen your leadership and drive great results.

LEAD - be a forward-thinker and show you are ready to lead the way when it comes to personal and professional growth.

ENGAGE - embody the “win together” spirit by fostering a culture of employee engagement.

ACHIEVE - strive for personal growth, set, manage, and accomplish goals.

DEVELOP - have a passion for spotting talent in others, providing resources, training, support, and opportunities, allowing people to achieve their highest potential.

EMPOWER - encourage your teams & peers to maximize their potential and cultivate talent through empowerment.

RESULTS - performance matters & results measure outcomes.