Are You A Sailboat Or A Submarine?

Once in a while my eye catches the comments people leave on LinkedIn.com. I love LinkedIn, but I find the majority of the comments people leave to lack value and to be a waste of time. The topics aren't that great either - "How good are you at crisis management?", "One word or phrase to characterize your leadership style?". Silly topics that create inefficiency when 291 people actually take time out from producing to answer these rhetorical questions. Where is the value? However one question from somebody named John caught my eye "Do you believe you can motivate people?"

The question triggered a long time belief of mine that there are two kinds of people in the world - sailboats and submarines. Nuclear submarines to be precise. Do you know the difference? Sailboats need the wind in their sails to be able to move, advance, go. Nuclear submarines don't. In fact, the reactors in a submarine, once turned on at commission, don't stop for 22 years. They just keep going until its time for refueling, 22 years later. People are much the same way. Many need the wind in their sales to get things done, otherwise they don't move. They don't produce unless they are told to. You know the type. The ones that get up each and every day and get things done, well, the world belongs to them.

When I look back on the people I have had the privilege of working with I realize I am blessed with knowing a lot of submarines. People who are driven by their goals in life, their purpose. They are not all business people either. I have a friend who is an artist coach in San Francisco (www.artmatch-coach.com). She loves what she does, helping artists be all that they can be. Martha isn't in it for the money, trust me these artists are broke, she is about making a difference in people's lives. Everyday she coaches the creative creatures of the Bay Area in how to progress with their profession. Its impressive.

But its also important to understand that motivated people still require leadership, direction and guidance to achieve great heights. I pride myself in the ability to assemble teams of "submarines", not sailboats. In 2004 my company relocated me to the US from overseas to build a brand new business. I was fortunate to put together a small team of "submarines" and within 9 months we had signed a major client in a new space that many were doubtful we could play in. I learnt a lot from my team during the more than 3 years we worked together and built a complex business in North America, Europe and Asia. As talented and motivated as they were, it was up to me, the leader, to ensure they understood the vision, the goals and their piece of it, and it was up to me to hold them accountable for results. I also had to ensure they were operating in an environment that was set up for success.

The biggest misconception in managing people is that you can give them a set of objectives and put them on cruise control. Rubbish. Inspect what you expect, and be a support to your people so they don't fail. Talented managers know the line between micromanaging and supporting their teams. The worst leaders are the ones who dole out an assignment then sit back and expect a perfect result 6 weeks later. If that was management then anyone could do it, n'est-ce pas?

I'm not sure what John's question "Do you believe you can motivate people?" is really asking, but I know the answer is as much about your leadership style as it is about the individuals ability to motivate themselves. You could have the most motivated team in the league but if you don't create the right environment, leadership and strategic vision then you will never win. On the flip side, neither Phil Jackson (LA Lakers) or Bill Belichick (NE Patriots) can win championships if they don't have a team of self-motivated, driven individuals who put in the work each and every day and aspire to be champions. There is a reason why they are 'professional' athletes, and its not just because of the paycheck, its because they work harder than anyone else to get there.

As we wrap up 2010 and enter 2011 I think its a perfect time to ask yourself whether you are a sailboat or a submarine? Not just at work but in your life? Do you need someone or something to kick you in the backside to get going, or are you driven from the inside? I am a firm believer that we all have a nuclear reactor in us, its a question of searching within to find it. The first step is to introspect, after all we can only effect what we control, and to be self-aware of both your strengths and weaknesses, not blaming others for your predicament. Only then can you make a change. In 2011 be a submarine, be a 'do-er', a producer, make things happen! In the words of Carl Jung "Who looks outside, dreams; who looks inside, awakes."

Happy New Year all! May 2011 bring you health, success, travels and happiness.