StandOut by Marcus Buckingham Read Free Book Online Page A

visionary, the rallying point. But the second person to join the “movement” is actually the person whose connections run deeper into the organization . This is the person you need to know if you want to make things happen.
     

How to Win As a Leader
     
    Connector : Your strength is your ability to see the best in us. We sense that if we stick with you, you will make us a vital part of something significant. And so we are drawn to you.
• Tell us how important it is to you for our company to be a “friend in the community.” We all want to know that we are a part of something bigger than ourselves—a community of people and businesses who rely on one another. You help us see these connections.
     
• Show us the practical things we can do to connect with our community. Challenge us to think of new ways to reach out to our neighbors. Join local charities. Shred our newspapers and ask us to give them to the SPCA. Tell us to take our old towels to the local firehouse. Can we give our old equipment to Habitat for Humanity? Can we sponsor or participate in a local sporting event for charity?
     
• You are at your best in a crisis. We know we’ll never be left in a lurch because you know someone, who knows someone, who knows someone who can get the job done. At staff meetings tell us the stories of how we handled it “when the storm blew out the electricity for twelve hours.” These stories will inspire us and give us the confidence that we can cope with any situation or emergency.
     
• You’re always thinking about the people, ideas, and technologies you could combine to create something new. We love this because it gives us security. We know there are fresh experiences and projects waiting in the wings. Strengthen our security by telling us regularly about the connections you’ve made.
     
• In your desire to find the perfect mix of people to get the job done, you break down barriers between people and departments. This will scare some people. Know this, and then learn how to show them what can be gained.
     
• Keep your connections fresh and new. Include novel and unexpected minds in some of your mixes. We like to know we might be next.
     
• You’re a masterful delegator. Just make sure we witness you rolling up your sleeves too. We need to know that you’re as willing and able to commit yourself to the job as we are.
     

How to Win As a Manager
     
    Connector : Your strength is building surprisingly talented teams. I know I can count on you to do your due diligence when cherry-picking new teammates.
• Your natural reaction is to look outside the company to the people we are trying to serve—the client. Remind me of this mission. This seems obvious, but sometimes the details of my own position distract me.
     
• At staff meetings or during one-on-ones, describe for me in detail what the client’s life is like. Tell me about their concerns, their agendas, their budgets. I may have never sat on their side of the table before. You can help me see the world through their eyes.
     
• I like seeing you out with our clients virtually all the time. The way you engage directly with their lives, the way you sort out their problems, the way you speak their “language,” all of this reinforces the ultimate purpose of my job.
     
• You take the time to discover the unique talents required for a vacant spot—you’re in no hurry to “just fill it.” Thank you for never settling, but instead, for always looking for the right and best person. We need you to remind us that this is how great teams are built—one good person at a time.
     
• You have such a wide network of people, you always know someone who’s been successful at what I’m currently tackling. Whenever I am stuck on something, use your network to give me ideas for how to get unstuck.
     
• You trust me with key projects. You have faith in my ability to solve problems. I love this freedom. I also need to know that you are there as