Leading above the level of mediocrity

Mediocre leadership is like drinking lukewarm water every day, no fizz, no flavor,

no fun! It is the “ho-hum mundane,” the “same stuff, different day” mentality, which is

often described as the “rut of routine.” When this atmosphere is prevalent in the

workplace environment it is a tell tale sign that a leader is stuck in a leadership rut.

Mediocre leaders live with the mindset best expressed in deep south vernacular,

“if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” which makes sense if you do not mind living in a rutted

workplace. What many mediocre leaders do not know is when they create a rutted

workplace their ability to think outside the rut is compromised. In other words, the

mediocre leader creates a danger zone such that when the organization is deluged with

the unexpected and overwhelming realities of the business world or of life in general,

they themselves and those people stuck in the rut with them drown much quicker. This

should never be the case in the workplace environment.

Better to be a leader leading above the level of mediocrity, who provides their

people opportunities to grow and learn especially in this digital and AI generated age.

Leaders leading above the level of mediocrity are leaders with purpose, and they

choose to create a workplace environment that will keep minds engaged building

intellectual capital that will benefit people and the organization exponentially. Internal

and external training opportunities, along with unexpected surprises, can keep the

workplace an enjoyable and productive place to be.

I know of this one leader, who decided during this one uncommonly busy day,

before entering the weekly staff meeting, to take off his jacket and put it on

backwards. He then walked into the meeting without saying anything. He sat down and

began the meeting and one of the people there said, “Sir, are you aware your jacket is

on backwards?” his reply, “Yes, because I can’t tell whether I’m coming or going!” The

room broke into laughter, and this little leadership surprise changed the day for

everyone.

How are you doing with leading above the level of mediocrity?