Anita Sharpe at the Worthwhile blog offered a simple question that’s sure to elicit some diverse and dynamic discussion: What’s the #1 job of a leader? According to Boeing, it’s Appreciation.

Here’s the comment I left:

Hmmm…interesting. I’ll both agree and disagree with that.

I’ll agree with the importance of showing appreciation to those
around you. And add that “showing” isn’t enough. A leader must
elaborate on what they appreciate while at the same time making it
about the other person. Instead of saying, “You did a great job on that
project,” say, “Here’s what I liked about what you did” The latter is
specific and allows for the other person to make their own meaning from
the appreciative feedback.

Now, for a disagreement…I think the #1 job of a leader is to connect
the thoughts and actions of others to a larger goal. You can show
appreciation all day, but does it move others in a new direction? Or
does it merely reflect where they are right now? The great leaders of
people take reality, stretch it to create a dynamic future, then make
it seem both challenging and possible to attain. Appreciation will be
simply one of the tools to get there.