We live in an instant-gratification society. Just about anything you could want—from cookware to cosmetics is just one click away—often with free two-day shipping! But this mindset is not entirely new. I remember a particular artistic shortcut from my youth called “paint by numbers.” The company line went like this:
“Create your own masterpiece with a Paint-by-Numbers kit. It’s the perfect first step for beginners to enjoy the art of painting. You’ll be an artist in minutes.”
Now doesn’t that sound appealing? Having done a few of those painting kits in my youth, I do know that it’s satisfying—and easy to do.
But easy isn’t always the best way to go about doing something you’ll be proud to own—whether it’s a painting or a success story.
Nonetheless, like those paint-by-number kits, lots of business books promise success in just a few easy steps. According to Statista, books about business and money were the third most popular genre published in the U.S. in 2017, generating approximately $168 million in revenue. So clearly, there’s an audience for this.
How-To Books Abound
Books with titles like The 5 Laws of Leadership or Leadership Made Simple follow that kind of “paint-by-numbers” method, suggesting that you’ll be a better leader by the end of the book.
Now in full disclosure, I’ve authored books with this bulleted kind of guide to success. Two of my books about achieving a work-life balance are written in an easy-to-follow style. Do What You Do Better With the 7Fs of True Success is one. My Authentic Selling book with its nine-point advisory model to successful selling is another. If you’d like a free electronic copy of these, go to: http://www.corsini.com/books/
I know it takes more than a book (or even reading several books) to be an effective leader. Books, including my own, can be guides to leadership success, but you’ll need more than that. So I have a few solid tips to share.
Putting Advice to Work
Understand yourself. Know your own strengths, weaknesses and “blind spots.” We all have them. Understand your own leadership style. Tools to help you in that process include assessments, a 360-Feedback Process and quiet reflection time. I include time for reflection because, given the opportunity, your subconscious will offer great ideas and guidance if you just slow down and listen.
Follow the right prescription. I’m talking about a targeted plan for improvement. That might include instructive blogs; books; working with a manager, mentor, executive coach or industrial psychologist; or a combination of these things.
Chart your progress. One of the best ways to determine if you are getting better each year is to complete the 360-Feedback Process and compare it to previous years’ results. I know this works.
Several years ago, we worked with an emerging company leader whose 360 results were extremely high except in regard to trust with top leadership. This guy wanted to be a part of top leadership, but these trust issues were standing in his way. I reminded him that no leadership team is going to promote someone with whom they have trust or confidence issues, so he committed to doing some serious work.
We met monthly and worked specifically on the areas his 360 survey indicated were keeping him from being promoted. Two years later, those scores with top leadership improved dramatically. Why? This guy knew exactly the area he needed to work on in order to be a more effective leader. I’m excited to report he’s now a part of the top leadership team at his company.
You’ll note that it took some time and effort.
So, the next time you’re tempted to read the latest hot book on leadership, know that improvement will take more than just that. Don’t rely upon a “paint-by-numbers” approach to your success. Read the book if you want, absorb the information there and then combine that with some targeted action. Do that, and you’ll do what you do better.