Many employers are finding it harder than ever to fully staff up. However, while some organizations struggle to find ‘warm body’ hires – others have retained high-performing teams through all of the turmoil and uncertainty of this last year.

To attract and retain the best people, you need to do two things. First, build a Magnetic Culture (Read more about this here).  Second, become a Magnetic Manager and Leader.

The Magnetic Managers and Leaders aren’t necessarily charismatic or the life of the party. But they attract and retain great people. They know how to build and keep productive relationships.

Here are the Ten Commandments to become a Magnetic Manager or Leader:

1. Value: Values aren’t just for organizations. At an individual level, you need to know what your values are. Your decisions and actions need to be in alignment with them. This gives you credibility and reliability. Know and work according to your values.
2. Purpose: Being able to inspire a shared sense of vision is one of the most compelling leadership traits. Most people want to be part of something bigger than themselves. That’s why movies like “The Hobbit” or “Star Wars” or “The Matrix” become so compelling. People want to connect to a larger sense of purpose. They want leaders who can help them get there. Have and be committed to a larger purpose.
3. Contribution: Related to a sense of purpose – people want to feel like they are actively contributing. Not just going along for the ride. Find a place for everyone to meaningfully contribute. For roles where the contribution is less obvious (often support roles) clarify how their support is having a positive impact. Help others contribute & recognize their contribution.
4. Affirmation: Self-image is one of the biggest issues that leaders deal with. But your teams do as well. Basically asking, “Who am I and does it matter?” Connecting to purpose and contribution goes a long way to helping people with their self-image. Affirm others – their value, their contribution, the unique value they bring to the workplace. Help others discover their significance through affirmation.
5. Respect: People want to feel respected. They want to work in an environment of respect. You can treat others respectfully even if they haven’t yet earned your respect. Respect others and model respectful behavior.
6. Growth: Employees, especially high-performers, want to grow. They want to do good work. They want to explore what they are capable of. People want mentors, coaches, teachers, and guides. Be that for others. Help others grow.
7. Accountability: Be accountable and provide accountability. No one is perpetually consistent, constantly hitting their marks, or consistently living the ideal. Model this – be accountable to others. Also, provide accountability to others. Create clear definitions of what ideal behaviors, progress, and success look like. Regularly communicate how they are doing. They want to know. Provide accountability.
8. Conflict: Conflict is unavoidable. Healthy organizations anticipate it and work to mitigate it but build pathways for resolution for what they can’t prevent. The best leaders aren’t afraid of conflict but stay respectful and pursue understanding. They encourage and support employees to resolve their conflicts. They develop multiple options for resolution that feel accessible and safe to employees. Build avenues for conflict resolution.
9. Integrity: Credibility is the currency of leadership. Nothing protects the value of that currency like integrity. People want to trust and believe in the leaders they follow. They also want leaders who ensure integrity (both in terms of honesty and transparency as well as consistency) throughout their organizations. Protect your integrity.
10. Listen: Leaders often fall into the habit of being problem solvers, direction setters, and tellers. It can be challenging for leaders to listen. Whether it’s taking the time to listen or learning to hear what hasn’t been said or to ask better questions. Good listeners build loyalty. Learn to listen deeply.

Becoming a Magnetic Manager and Leader

To become a magnetic manager or leader is simple but not easy.

Go through the list above. Identify the areas you believe you are strong and one or two areas you might want to grow in.

Take it a step further. Hand the list to your team. Ask them, “What one or two behaviors from this list are the most important for me to grow in this year?”

I know. It’s a terrifying question for many. But you are only asking people to tell you what they are already thinking. And usually, it’s not a criticism at all.

In fact, most of my coaching clients do ask their teams a similar question. They start to build an entirely different relationship with their team.

And as a result of being willing to ask that tough question – they experience consistent growth. They become “magnetic.” Their teams consistently tell them and me that they’ve grown as leaders.

Take good care,

Christian

There are 𝟭𝟮 𝗰𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗾𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 to ask before accepting a new CEO position. Do you know what they are?  Instantly download my free e-book here.

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Vision Building Sprints

If you or your team are wrestling with defining your vision and would like help, I’m offering the opportunity for a “Vision Sprint”. This is a dynamic calibrating exercise. We will tightly dial in on your vision for the year and the key steps you need to take to get there. I’m offering either individual sessions ($2500) or team sessions ($4000).

Contact me at christian@christianmuntean.com if interested in learning more or setting up a time.

The Successful New CEO – FREE BOOK OFFER
As an executive coach, I’ve found that the experiences for new executives (or experienced executives in new roles) tend to touch on familiar themes. No one’s situation is the same. But there are common principles that, when followed, do guide executives to success. I introduce those core principles in my new book, The Successful New CEO. I’d like to give you a free copy (just pay shipping)!

The book is divided into four parts:

• Becoming an Executive: Leaders can only lead out of who they are. How do you become the kind of person who successfully and gracefully inhabits this role?
• Seven Essential Executive Skills: The skills that earned you this new role may not be the ones that you need in the role. What are the key leadership skills that become even more important at the executive level?
• Leading Your Leadership Team: More than likely, you’ll be leading other leaders. How do you lead a confident, effective leader? How do you build a team out of leaders?
• First Things: Where do you start? How do you quickly build credibility and engagement? What is too fast or too slow?

The goal of The Successful New CEO is to help you quickly gain the confidence of your team, successfully address the issues you will discover, score early wins, and set a course for a fruitful future.

If you’d like to see how this book will benefit you or someone you know, I’d like to make it available to you for free! Click Here.

Find the value of your company with my free assessment tool: The Value Builder System

The Value Builder System™ is a 13-minute online questionnaire that evaluates your business on the eight factors that contribute more to its attractiveness and value. These factors are scored on a scale of 1-100. Businesses that score over 80 are likely to command 70%-100% higher value than others.

THE LEADERSHIP COACH Podcast

In my podcast, THE LEADERSHIP COACH, we explore effective, high impact and enjoyable leadership. We talk about personal development and the attributes that all effective leaders possess. I interview other leadership experts who share their knowledge and tips to help you build the confidence to lead and learn the habits of good decision-making.

Opportunities

Free Resource: How To Accomplish More Without Doing More is a workbook I created to walk leaders through a process of helping you own your calendar, liberate your time, and still get more done. Download it for free!

Executive and Leadership Coaching: Do you feel overwhelmed? Are you not getting the results you expect from the effort you are putting in? Do you find yourself facing similar challenges time and time again? Would you like to change specific ways of relating or reacting? If you would like to experience predictable, measurable growth Contact me.

Profitable Exit Strategy Workshop: Are you a business owner or partner? Over 55? Starting to think about exiting your business or active management in the next 3-5 years?

• Are you curious about what your business might be worth?
• Would you like to discover the specific steps you need to take to increase its value and become highly attractive to a buyer?
• Are you planning on handing it over to family or employees and you want to ensure long-term success?

If so, contact me now