First written in March 2013, the lessons of the story below are still highly relevant, in politics and in business:
In 2013, the Victorian Liberal party and the public decided Ted Baillieu was not cutting the mustard as Premier of the great Australian state of Victoria. He was then axed.
Perception Is Everything!
Do we really care that he had been working his tail off behind the scenes for us Victorians? Ot that he is a decent human being with a great deal of humility? And that he has endless love for Victoria & appreciates the honour for “serving such a great state”? Not really.
Even a supportive colleague Jeff Kennett said that Ted was overusing his strengths (being reflective, quietly spoken, Mr Nice guy)
Ted needs to better ‘sell the sizzle’ of his accomplishments, the great vision he has for Victoria & his plan to make it all come together.
Although we don’t know exactly what happened behind the scenes, his style had let him down. Being over reflective and under selling the vision and excitement of his plan cost him his job.
By the way what was his plan, his vision, his passion?
To better understand the dynamic of what had gone on let’s use some science.
Looking Through The DISC Perspective
The “D.I.S.C.” behavioural profile is a powerful and widely used tool that helps us to understand our different motivations – the “WHY” of what we do and what drives us.
Ted Baillieu’s style was more “S” and “C” – “S” meaning “STEADY SUPPORTIVE behaviours while “C” represents “CAUTIOUS COMPLIANT” behaviours. Together the nature of the beast is reserved, preferring risk avoiding behaviours.
People like Ted frustrate many of us by taking a long time to make a decision and being guarded in their behaviour – not giving away a lot. The upside is that, when they do talk, we should listen up as they have usually put a lot of thought into what they say.
Jeff Kennett on the other hand, exhibited opposite behaviours, “D” and “I” behaviours – “D” being “DIRECT DECISIVE” behaviours, “I” being “INTERACTIVE INSPIRING” behaviours. Both are outgoing, risk taking behaviours. Jeff’s problem was that he didn’t know when to shut up.
We loved him because he got us excited, he had a way of selling a vision, selling the future. We sacked him because he didn’t listen enough – his drive became arrogance and not enough humility. I’m not sure if he always engaged his mouth before putting his brain into gear?
Becoming One Of The Best Leaders
Leadership becomes more and more critical the higher we are in any organisation government or corporate.
According to Jim Collins (author of “Good to Great”) the best leaders show both intense humility and drive. They know when and where to exhibit these essentials. They also know themselves well and how to show flexibility when it counts.
Pity no-one told both Ted and Jeff… and some more recent politicians!
When you understand your DISC profile, you can better manage you natural tendencies and evolve your behaviour patterns towards a more effective and appreciated leadership style.
Consider joining our next LeadershipNow workshop
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