Triple R Station

The power of the inner team (inner circle) is life-changing for a leader. Many

leaders suffer from the “Lone Ranger” complex. “I got this” is their mantra, and they do

until they don’t. These types of leaders get themselves into a place where they end up

trying to handle everything, everywhere, and all at once on some occasions. The “Lone

Ranger” complex is the silent killer of successful leadership.

Most think the old saying, “I’ll have to rob Peter to pay Paul” is a saying that fits

only in the realm of finances, but this is not true. This saying is quite prevalent in the

leadership arena when it comes to the wise use of time and energy spent in the

workplace. Time is our only irrecoverable commodity, and energy can be exhausted in a

matter of minutes.

Leaders suffering with the “Lone Ranger” complex also battle with many

elements of what is called, the “Messiah” complex. For many the cause of these

complexes are personal insecurities caused by painful past experiences, and for others

it comes from the fear of letting people down, and even more chilling some try to

mitigate imagined unseen and conjured problematic possibilities. These actions will

always undermine effective leadership.

Leaders who lead this way have convinced themselves that they have to do

everything by themselves if it is going to be done right. Working under the banner that

reads, “if you want a job done right, do it yourself,” they have also convinced

themselves that they must save everyone and everything from some imagined

impending destruction. Sadly, people begin to view them as “Micro-managers” instead

of “Messiah” as they see themselves. This is why most leaders who lead this way lose

credibility and effectiveness and quickly burn out.

The workplace doesn’t need these kinds of leaders!

So, what can be done? Build the inner team consisting of “Professional Friends”

who are sincerely accountable, connected, and committed to trustability. This inner

team consist of those choosing to work “WITH” a leader, Willingly, Intentionally,

Thoughtfully, and Honestly. I call the inner team the Triple R (Release, Recharge,

Refocus) station. If, as a leader, you don’t have one of these Triple R stations in place,

then don’t expect to last long as a leader. Where’s yours?