Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
Do you leave your team members feeling drained, infuse them with new life and leave them feeling refreshed?
The former would be done by a drain, while a fountain would do the latter. Drain vs fountain. With one, water or other liquids run out, leaving something empty or dry; with the other, water fills, wells up and causes an overflow.
Stop for a moment and think about physical drains and fountains.
When you Google ‘famous fountains’, search results include lists from BBC, HuffPost, CBS News, CNN Travel, and Stuff. Stunning. Spectacular. These are just a few adjectives used to describe some of the fountains.
On the other hand, when you Google ‘famous drains’ the results are quite different. You neither get lists nor any indication of travellers flocking to see or experience drains.
You notice clear differences when you consider a leader as a drain or a fountain.
A drain is a leader who empties, taking away energy, morale, and hope, stumping enthusiasm, and leaving others worse off. This is the leader whose default mode of operation is to point out what is not working or will not work, point out why things are worse than they seem – even when they aren’t – play the devil’s advocate in most meetings, and has a mainly negative outlook. A drain is a ‘taker’. Don’t be this type of leader.
On the other hand, a fountain refreshes, bring hope and leaves others better than before. This leader balances accountability and realism with a healthy dose of positivity, encouragement to others, and enthusiasm and generates good vibes. This leader is a breath of fresh air not just when things are going well but even when so many people are discouraged, fearful, stressed, depressed, and battling many health, financial and emotional challenges. A fountain is a ‘giver’. Be this type of leader.
Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
What practical steps can you take to become a fountain?
Here are a few specific suggestions.
1. Take care of yourself. The popular saying is true: you cannot give what you don’t have. If you lead others from a place of emptiness, you will subtract from them and drain them. Therefore, you must ensure you are taking care of yourself and in good shape. This will allow you to lead others from a place of wellness, abundance and positivity and add value to them.
2. Be a good listener. Listening is one of the most valuable gifts you can give to those you lead. You may not be able to do everything that is asked of you – and you should not even try – but listening without judging speaks volumes. Ask lots of questions and then listen. When your team feel heard, they will trust that you know them well enough and what’s going on to lead with their interests at heart.
3. Empower your team. Support them in developing their skills and abilities to serve in their roles. Where applicable, please give them the authority that goes with the responsibility you have given them.
4. Give helpful and encouraging feedback. A fountain is refreshing. Give your team members feedback that is helpful and makes them feel appreciated. Speak encouraging words to them.
As with famous fountains, when you choose to be a ‘fountain’ leader, people will be attracted to you for the beauty, refresher and enjoyment you add to their lives. They will reciprocate by giving their best—a win for them, a win for you, and a win for the organization.
Choose to be a ‘fountain’ leader
“Even the smallest act of caring for another person is like a drop of water – it will make ripples throughout the entire pond.”
Jessy and Bryan Matteo
Picture credit: Lysander Lotter Homan (@solarframe) | Unsplash Photo
Additionnal resources
- Managing team FAQ
- How to come to an agreement in a team?
- The cheapest and most powerful way to motivate your team
- Team Impact Executive Report and Debrief
- Leadership Game
- Leadership
- Do you think your employees are lying to you? You may be right!
- Everybody communicates, few connect
- 5 benefits of investing in your people
