People are who they are, and you’re not going to get very far by trying to make them who you want them to be. Fundamentally, people don’t change that much. Sure, you can offer opportunities to learn and grow, and some people will decide to take them. But a leader’s responsibility is not to make a person succeed. A leader’s responsibility is to create a direction for the organization and provide the space within which individuals can step up and preform, should they choose to do so. Some will, but some wont. No amount of coaching is going to change that person.

But this lesson always seems to apply: people are who they are, so your best bet as a leader is to meet them where they are, figure out what makes them tick, and create systems that let people see that it is in their best interest to help fulfill the organization’s goals. You will often find yourself trying to get people to be who you want them to be, rather than accepting the truth of who they are.

A leader must be as honest as possible. When you tell someone they’re not doing the job, you’re transferring the responsibility onto their shoulders, rather than shouldering it yourself. Maybe they improve. Maybe they leave. Whatever the outcome, they own it. You own the greater responsibility for serving the interests of the organization and its stakeholders, not just to make the individuals who work there feel better.

Theres’s hope – sometimes speaking the truth can improve relationships. Getting difficult dynamics out in the open can break the pattern. Acknowledging uncomfortable realities can clear the air and allow people to find creative solutions.

Lastly, this is not contrary to servant leadership – servant leadership isn’t about being nice at all costs. It’s about being helpful at all costs. There’s a big difference between the two. Radical honesty is a much greater service to people than simply being kind.
-Most excerpts from Ron Shaich, Founder, Panera Bread

“Leadership is not a title; it’s the courage to help others succeed.”
-Jonas Mercer

“The surest way to bring out the best in someone is to recognize their value and encourage their growth.”
-Unknown

“The only way to do great work is to love what you do.”
-Steve Jobs