The Impassioned Workforce

One of the downsides of having children is that sometimes you have to watch kid flicks; movies that are aimed at and acted by children. The flick in question this week was Harry Potter (the first) and the terrible acting was from a bunch of newly discovered talents who have since gone on to be almost bearable. I loved the books but as usual, something got lost in the translation of the first few movies. However, as I watched the mayhem and mishaps of a group of wizards in training, I found myself perceiving new insights to teamwork, leadership and talent management even from this surprising source.

I will hold off from dissecting the entire series and all that Harry Potter can teach us about leadership and teamwork. That water has already been charted by Tom Morris (If Harry Potter ran General Electric), but one of the key things that struck me about the character as I reviewed the first movie was how ‘in the trenches’ he was. Whenever there was work to be done, or challenges to face, Harry is a “follow me” type of guy rather than a hold back and shout “charge” to the troops General. And thats one of the things that I find so endearing about him. Most of us will follow an inspirational leader to the ends of the earth, as long as we feel our efforts are valued and the goal is for the common good and not self-serving on the leader’s part. When someone says and acts in an inclusive manner, making you believe that they are also willing to risk life and limb on the cause, then it is much more believable.

In her Engaging Brand blog this week, Anna Farmery asks if managers are inviting people to become engaged in their work. Do you encourage feedback, ask questions, create environments where people will willingly give more of themselves in delivery of the objectives? Anna quotes Lou Gerstner in saying

“Management doesn’t change culture. Management invites the workforce itself to change the culture”

If you want a high performing team who will do everything in their power to meet the objectives and enhance the reputation of their unit; ask yourself how you are demonstrating when it comes to delivering results, you are all in this together. There are no heroes, only leaders, colleagues and results.