Higher Leadership = Intentional and Attentional
- By Robert Pater
- Oct 01, 2021
Out of all the performance attributes separating great leaders from lesser ones, there are two I’ve found most critical: being “intentional” and “attentional.” That is, high-level leaders plan and act purposely, not just reflexively nor haphazardly, and also develop skills for fine-controlling their attention to note what’s going on, unpredictable reactions, and how plans are progressing so they can make real-time adjustments to stay on track.
Being intentional—this is a prime mover; how highest-level leaders make things happen. Intentional leaders control their mindset, knowing where they want to go and then doing their utmost to move in that direction (i.e. their words and actions further their objectives, even if to a small degree). This doesn’t mean they are “wooden” nor act like a train plowing down pre-set, unchangeable tracks, just consistent. It’s as if they’ve activated an internal GPS by entering their destination; then, even if they take a wrong turn they calmly reroute to get to their destination.
They’re reliable, the opposite of haphazard or all over the place. Others know where these leaders stand in all they do or don’t. They emit few ambiguous messages; and don’t tell stories or jokes that counter or neutralize the direction they wish to move. They are determined to weed out mixed messaging and hire and promote people who are aligned with their mission— not those, for example, who are pro-productivity but anti-strong-safety.
Ultimately, they follow their North Star, developing a range of options and responses that work within their values. Then, they choose which best fits their current situation. Others tend to trust these leaders’ consistent intent and so are comfortable with them, even when they don’t fully agree with these leaders’ positions. Further, it immeasurably boosts trust when intentional leaders are seen as actually concerned about others’ safety and well-being.
Now take attention, which plays a large part in the heart of any skill, health, every relationship and all change. This isn’t just my perspective. Tom Peters, author of numerous articles and books (including the best seller, “In Search of Excellence”), wrote that in his long experience working with an array of organizations, everything he’s learned could be boiled down into five words, “Attention is all there is.” Meaning, what you put your attention to is what you focus on, develop and then work to achieve. And what you don’t see (for a variety of reasons), you can’t fix or adjust to. Not only that, but it can blindside you.
This article originally appeared in the October 2021 issue of Occupational Health & Safety.