This time of year, our friend Frosty The Snowman makes his brief but effective appearance (sorry Frosty!). Sometimes there are leadership lessons to be learned from even the most unexpected people. Frosty is one of them. If you're familiar with the song telling the story of Frosty's life, there are lessons for leaders:1. Figure out what makes you "go." For Frosty, it was the old silk hat. When the children placed the hat on Frosty's head, He came alive. If you're a leader, it's important to discover what gets your leadership juices flowing. What environments, circumstances, people raise your leadership performance? When are you at your best? Defining what cranks you up as a leader will help you lead well.
2. If you want to lead the people, be among the people. Again, some lyrics will help make the point: "And the children say he could laugh and play just the same as you and me." The people you lead need to know you're behind them. They need to see you in your natural element, not simply conducting meetings or leading a project. Sometimes your best leadership is done when you let your natural self come out. Let the people you lead see you relaxing, laughing, playing. It will build your credibility for the next time you have to dive into something deeper and more serious.
3. Lead to replace yourself. "Frosty the snowman knew the sun was hot that day, So he said, "Let's run and we'll have some fun now before I melt away." Time is short. One day you will not be there. Lead in a way that prepares people for your departure. If you have all the ownership in something, it will crumble should you leave. Frosty knew he wouldn't be around for long once the sun came up. In your leadership context, who is one person that could step into your role if you left next week? If you don't have that person, work to develop someone. Your effectiveness will grow. So will the fruits of your leadership.
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