Leaders choose to emphasize people or organization. The former celebrate individuality, the later accentuate fitting in. One fits the people to the program; the other fits the program to the people.

Both are necessary. But, balance between the two isn’t possible. One always wins. It’s stylish to say, “People first.” But for the most part, that’s window dressing. However…

People first produces best results.
The celebration of conformity is the path to obscurity.

After alignment with organizational mission, the question isn’t where do you need to go today. The question is where your current people take you. How can you best utilize their unique talents, strengths, and passions?

Stop making them fit in.
Create environments where they stand out.

People as priority:

1. People before plans.
2. People before processes.
3. People produce results.

Leader as follower:

People frustrate when they don’t, won’t, or can’t submit. But, leadership isn’t getting them to do…