I am reminded of a story shared by a finance manager recently. F&I production was not great at this store in past years. This finance manager took a different approach, put in a big effort, and significantly increased back-end gross, especially in the first eight months of the current year. During this time the department was short staffed and he was working long hours.

The finance manager shared how he was tired and that not once in past year had the general manager acknowledged his efforts. The straw that broke the camels back, however, came when he missed his numbers in the ninth month while was going through some personal issues. Instead of inquiring how he was doing the general manager reminded him that he missed his numbers and that he expected him to do better in the next month.

The general manager was right, the finance manager had missed his numbers, but his approach, lack of care and empathy, was not helpful.

People who are in charge tend to be competitive. So, being right naturally makes them feel good. Being right feel like a win. Unfortunately, being right also has the potential to puff up while it takes away from others, especially if being right comes at another’s expense.

Remembering that the goal of leadership is to get the team, not oneself, over the finish line [together], being right should not be something a leader fights for. Rather, if time allows,  it is often, if not usually, better to be helpful, sharing what you believe to be right, and letting others discover what is actually right. In the process others will feel respected and built-up. At the same time you allow room for the possibility that there is a better way or even that your thinking is flawed in some way.

Leaders accept their own humanity and resist the urge to fight for being right. Great leaders work at getting themselves out of the way so that the team can win. In fact, great leaders, accept responsibility when the team loses and give credit to the team when celebrating a win.

Good Leadership Rule: Be helpful, listen, be the last to speak, give away credit, let others recognize [on their own] when you are right, and never say “I told you so.”

Herb Mast is Leadership Coach and Employee Engagement Specialist. Learn how he can assist you in implementing the principles and concepts presented here.