A number of people have bought my Leadersmithing cards recently, to use with their teams while we’re all working remotely. To help you, here is an update on recent resources. There is a longer page of general resources on my blog here. The best short account of Leadersmithing is this article in Developing Leaders and if you prefer video do watch my TEDX.
First, a Chirp podcast on Crafting Clarity. This applies Leadersmithing to leading through Covid, with a particular focus on the Queen of Diamonds. It’s based on casting ambiguity as a function of both uncertainty and disagreement, and explains how working both arms of the dilemma can help you craft more clarity with your teams.
I also recorded a message for the Clore alumni early on during lockdown with a ‘winning hand’ of Leadersmithing cards. Perhaps that has renewed resonance now, as we head back into a period of lockdown. The full set of Lockdown cards is depicted below
Useful cards for Covid-19
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A while ago I mapped my cards to the standard set of Emotional Intelligence competencies. The Hearts are squarely in service of this mode, but many of the other cards also play their part. It’s even harder to get this stuff right when we are not seeing each other regularly, so this list may be a good place to start if your team needs a boost. The mapping is here. EQ card mapping
Finally, in my book I talk about the Gallup 12. If you’re worrying about how well you are leading you team at the moment, try asking them how many of these questions they could answer with a yes, and work with them to improve any that are a no? The (c) Gallup 12 are:
1. Do you know what is expected of you at work?
2. Do you have the materials and equipment to do your work right?
3. At work, do you have the opportunity to do what you do best every day?
4. In the last seven days, have you received recognition or praise for doing good work?
5. Does your supervisor, or someone at work, seem to care about you as a person?
6. Is there someone at work who encourages your development?
7. At work, do your opinions seem to count?
8. Does the mission/purpose of your company make you feel your job is important?
9. Are your colleagues committed to doing quality work?
10.Do you have a best friend at work?
11.In the last six months, has someone at work talked to you about your progress?
12.In the last year, have you had opportunities to learn and grow?
