Maybe leadership is more of an art than a science, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t a certain physics to it. You employ your energy as a leader in productive, unproductive or inconsequential ways. People and projects move around you based on the force (or lack of force) you exert.
And while Sir Isaac Newton came up with his three laws to describe motion…they also do a good job describing leadership principles.
Let’s look at these recast “three laws of leadership” and see what financial industry leaders can learn from them.
Law #1: A leader at rest remains at rest, and a leader in motion remains in motion at constant speed and in a straight line unless acted on by an unbalanced force.
There’s a tendency toward inertia in daily life. Toward going through the motions. Toward doing what you’re used to doing. Toward doing nothing at all.
This inertia affects everyone, but it’s especially harmful in leadership because the fish rots from the head down. Complacency spreads downward. Opposition to change creeps throughout the organization.
Harvard University’s Barbara Kellerman says ineffectiveness is one of the signs of bad leadership, and it doesn’t improve over time without an opposing force.
You must find those things that get you moving or make you stop your muscle-memory routine for a moment. What are some of those opposing forces?
- A Buddy – Find someone who counsels and motivates you in your work and development. Let him or her lead you a little bit. No one leads alone.
- A Break – Some leaders are simply burnt out. Taking some time away may reignite passion or inspire new ideas.
- A Boost – Reading, listening to podcasts, formal training– however you learn, remember to prioritize it. You may be stuck in a rut because you aren’t learning anything new.
Law #2: The acceleration of a leader’s goals depends on the influence of the leader and the amount of force applied.
A leader needs a strong IQ. And no, the “I” doesn’t stand for intelligence. You need a strong “Influence Quotient.”
You must build relationships with your team and gain their respect. Keep in mind: relationship-building doesn’t mean becoming a pushover. You’re the leader first and foremost (and a friend second). Influence is more about demonstrating good faith and a passion for your vision and goals.
Then, you exert force. You hold people accountable. You remind once, twice and ten more times. Infuse your team with your passion and speed toward your goals.
Law #3: Whenever a leader exerts a force on someone else, the other person exerts an equal and similar force on the leader.
Okay, you’re exerting force as described in the second law. But what happens then?
Unlike Newton’s actual third law, the person’s response is similar to your action rather than opposite. The chameleon effect is at play in small and large ways. Team members will unconsciously mimic your language, expressions and tone. On a larger scale, they’ll adopt your attitudes toward projects.
So, check yourself before you wreck the team.
Others reflect how you communicate. They reflect your buy-in for a program. Don’t let an important initiative fall flat because you didn’t believe in it or “sell” it effectively.
On The Mark Strategies helps leaders at financial institutions all across the country break free of inertia, accelerate their goals and get the right reactions. Book a free consultation today and get closer to the letter of these leadership laws.
