How do I get people to do what I want?

“I know what I want to achieve but how do I get it done?”

If you are a ‘mover’ of people, traditional business thinking says you get it done via better Leadership, more Motivation or improved Process.But actually, the real power is in increasing the degree of Clarity – the State of Mind – of the individuals concerned. Do this and the other 3 will happen
automatically.

Process: is certainly the foundation of organisational function. Winners continuously tweak process to adapt to circumstances or client needs and to improve performance. So yes, you need to do this well. Having clear expectations, communicating them effectively and following up ie measuring both elements of process and finite outcomes are key elements of leading good process. For a brilliant description of the mechanics of building the framework to resolve process well, see A Buzz in the Building. *

Motivation: is intrinsic, not something you can do to people. To be motivated is to be a good ‘follower’**. People will follow your leadership if they feel that they have these 3 things: Autonomy [the option to make choices and resolve many issues without referring up]; Purpose [a sense that their work does something useful in the world], and the possibility of Mastery [they are encouraged to continually improve and become more skilful in their role]*** Also, just as a plant needs the right conditions to flourish; in the workplace, the conditions you must create for motivated people to blossom are an experience of Trust, Hope, Stability and evidence of Compassion [my organisation cares about my wellbeing]****. With Clarity in the workplace these are a given.

Leadership: this is much discussed but more difficult to create. All types of personality can lead***, it is not a function of specific talents nor is leadership charisma. Collins’s research shows that the ‘Level 5’ leader blends humility and the professional-will to create enduring success*****. He points out that the ‘charismatic’ leader looks more to his own celebrity that to sustaining the long-term success of the organisation. Clarity is what creates the capacity for a level 4 leader to rise to level 5.

So what is this magic ingredient, Clarity – that can be the wellspring for the 3 elements, Leadership, Motivation and effective process?

Clarity: is a clear State of Mind. A state that is focused and effective – an elite athlete would talk of flow or being in the zone. A leader in this state of mind has resilience and resourcefulness, creativity and compassion in every moment, without needing to use techniques or tricks or elaborately crafted strategy. The power of really understanding the way our mind works, in other words, a grasp of the workings of the Human Operating System, allows that flow state – insights and fresh thinking that provide optimum solutions in any situation.

This ie Clarity, is the point of maximum leverage for leaders or performance coaches, as described with many examples by Manning et al in their book Invisible Power ******.

We can see the truth of this in the sporting arena, where winning is always more dependent on the contestants
state of mind than technique or fitness; but strangely we rarely consider it in business – where it is equally true. Put Clarity at the centre and all else falls into place. This state is based on understanding, it needs no practice to maintain it; it is ‘Zen without meditation’. It is the subtraction of whatever interferes with each person’s high performance that allows the magic to happen.

* A Buzz in the Building: Kate Mercer; SRA Books 2016

** In praise of followers. : Kelley, R. E. Harvard Business Review; 1988: 66, 142-148

*** Drive: Daniel Pink; Canongate Books 2011

**** Strengths based Leadership: Rath & Conchie; Gallup 2008

***** From Good to Great: Jim Collins; Random House, 2001.

****** Invisible Power, Insight principles at work. Manning, Charbit & Krot ISBN: 978-0-9965305-0-7, 2015.