Where should a leader's head be?

The sand or clouds: Which is the better location for a leader's head?

A head in the sand means the leader avoids facts which might be uncomfortable to face. Perhaps they don't want to admit a mistake, or own a bad decision, or have to deal with the same issue again. When leaders do not want to hear bad news, their people often alter reports to reflect the most positive facts possible.

Be wary when the only good news you're hearing is along the lines of "we spent 50% less on proposal printing last month," or "client meetings cost 25% less last quarter." It may be uncomfortable to learn the long-term client cut her budget by half or fewer sales reps made it through to the bid phase of the sales cycle, but the sooner you find out, the sooner you can act to change those results.

It is difficult to manage or motivate others while one's head is in the sand. You risk losing your leadership role, whether formally or informally, by avoiding facts and discomfort. So, it seems keeping one's head in the sand is not the best option.

A head in the clouds keeps leaders from acting to change results too.

Lofty, impossible goals work against most leaders. People like to be set up for success and they resent being held to impossible goals. For example, when a sales team hits its numbers for one year, and the numbers are doubled for year two, there's little chance of hitting year two's numbers. The sales reps will be de-motivated because of the silly objectives. While it's wise to have higher objectives to challenges the sales team, goals set without explanation other than one's head is in the clouds rarely are achieved.

The best place for a leader's head is firmly on her shoulders. Be informed of the facts, use a reliable process for decision making, be open to changing what does not work, and focus on progress.

Leaders should not avoid the truth about revenue, budget changes, or profit projections. They also should not expect ridiculous results and use group renditions of Kumbaya to achieve them. Leaders should not lose their heads in a crisis, blame others for failures, or panic about the future.

Burying one's head in the sand or keeping it in the clouds rarely inspires others or motivates them to be productive, innovative, or collaborative. But, the worst place for a leader's head is "where the sun don't shine." Keep your head firmly on your shoulders and you will be a more effective leader than many around.