Recently I had the opportunity to go with my family to Ensenda, Mexico to build a home with about fifteen other people for a single mom and her son.  (No the above house was not the house I built nor the old one . . . technology wasn’t letting me upload my pictures. 🙁 )The present home they had was pieced together with all kinds of material and had dirt floors with a lot of tarp for a roof.  As a family we had been trying to join an experience like this for multiple years and finally it worked out.  Little did I realize some of the leadership lessons I would learn.

Working Hard

Building this home was a two day experience.  After each day we would debrief what impacted us.  My family and I knew no one on the trip.  When we got to the worksite we just asked what they needed us to do and did it.

During the debrief after the first work day one individual caused me to tear up as she said my family was such a great example by just working hard.  As leaders we never know the impact of just showing up and working diligently.  If we show up, are fully present and jump in to do the work we’ve been entrusted while helping those around us we will be leading well.

Letting Go

The walls were up, the window, and door installed and wood on the roof so now it was time on day two to finish the interior of the home.  At one point during this day I was asked to do trim work.  I had the opportunity to work with another person who was much younger than me, but had been on a home build before.  Immediately I saw there was going to be a personality clash.

Normally I would get frustrated and try to have things done the way I preferred, but instead I chose to let go and have her lead me.  This went well most of the time until eventually it was more efficient for us to work independently.  As leaders we like to be in charge, but sometimes we need to let go of our way so we can allow others to grow and develop their own leadership skills.  This can be hard as we watch them make mistakes or see a “better way” to do the task, but letting go is essential for us to help others grow as leaders.

Listening

I know a little bit about building things, but I have never built a house.  We were working fast and directions were usually given once.  This fast pace required careful listening.  Not only listening, but also asking clarifying questions on what was expected.

As a leader you move fast and probably prefer to give directions only once, but also you need to listen.  I needed to be humble enough to admit I did not understand completely and ask questions so I could perform the task as expected.  I also had to listen carefully to understand.  Listening to those we lead and their questions will help us lead them more effectively.

As you look at those three areas:  working hard, letting go, and listening, which do you need to grow in this week?  Maybe you need to ask those you work with most which area they see you could improve.  Take time to pause and reflect on how you can lead better.  When leaders lead better the team can accomplish great things.  Keep growing and lead well!

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