by Tim Redmond - the Leadership and Wealth Creation Coach

Think of the people you lead.

Ever think the following thoughts, "Why don't they show more initiative?" "They are so defensive - why don't they own up to their mistakes?" "Where's the productivity? If I'm not here, nothing gets done!"

The work of a leader is to create environments.

My main mentor refers to people as sheep; perhaps because of their tendency to follow.

People tend to follow and react to their environments.

Are we judging the people we lead for something they are reacting to?

In Primal Leadership, Daniel Goleman warns us that leaders frequently underestimate their impact on the organization's environment and overall productivity.

Sometimes we forget that we are leaders . . . we're always leading whether we are aware of it or not. We are blind to the far-reaching effects of our moods and reactions. We set the tone with our attitude and response to someone's ideas, mistakes or behaviors.

This happens especially at home - my wife and children are mirrors that reflect what has come from my heart - both good and bad. Blinded by my own arrogance, I could not see how the negative responses of those I love the most were the harvest of the negative seeds I sowed. Oh, how I've learned the magical effects of giving the gift of respect instead of blaring my dictatorial authority!

When my first focus is judging others' behavior, I negate my work as a leader.

As leaders, we are to awaken, develop and release the unique greatness of those on our teams. Leadership is an absolutely fun and fulfilling adventure. Because leadership is a people business, it can also be messy. We are easily distracted from the real work of leadership.

Judgment against their behavior keeps us from seeing and pulling out their greatness. It becomes an excuse for leaders not to do their work (e.g., creating positive learning environments that develop others' greatness).

What about their negative behavior? Do we just ignore it? Of course not! By ignoring it - especially when it is destroying the team - we become an accomplice to their weakness. As the Broken Windows Theory has shown, not quickly dealing with unacceptable results and behavior can actually encourage more deviant actions.

But what happens if we just deal with their behavior and never look inward to the source that creates the environment? It's like the wood that refuses to burn in the fireplace complaining about how cold the room is!

When leaders lose touch with the inward cause of the negative effects and move outward into JABbing (Judging, Accusing, Blaming) the very people they are called to lead, frustration and strife among the team increases. Productivity slides in a downward spiral.

"First your environment, then their behavior" is another way of saying one of my key premises of leadership - Go inward BEFORE going outward.

Perhaps it's time to review your approach to the members of your team, including your spouse, children, parents, employees and even bosses. Evaluate all of your teams - home, work, church, and social groups.

Are you judging their behavior without first evaluating how you are affecting and creating the environment?

Leaders initiate. Use your unique strength to create an environment that causes them to blossom!

What is one positive and meaningful thing you can do RIGHT NOW that will improve your team's environment?