The thirteenth characteristic of good leaders is: Imagination.
Imagine a place of work where you are thrilled to be there. The atmosphere is collegial, inviting, and even intriguing. The people are bright and energetic. The boss is regularly in the midst of this group but never in the way. Your computer is up to date, and the programs all work well.
Your desk (with drawers) and chair are in “like new” condition, plus you have your own file cabinet.
Imagine a break room with fresh coffee every morning or tea available for those who like an alternative to coffee. A refrigerator is at the end of the coffee bar with a mixed assortment of cold drinks (non-alcoholic, of course). Above the counter are three clean microwave ovens. There are cupboards with light snacks and a water dispenser for cold, clean water. The room is clean and fresh with no sight of a garbage can, and the tables and chairs are quality and clean. The lighting is adjustable and seemingly always “just right.”
Before you tell me this doesn’t exist, let me stop and tell you I have seen and experienced it. I have been fortunate to travel to several companies around the U.S. and have seen offices and break rooms like the one I just chronicled.
Think of this: everything you see: your smartphone, pen, desk, computer, glass, fork, car, desk lamp, coffee pot, refrigerator, door knob, pocketbook, or a million other things have all been imagined first and then through a fantastic process, been developed. But thought of (imagined) first.
A good leader imagines what a good office would be for their associates. A good leader imagined what a good break room would look like for their associates — and made it happen.
Some would say (and I would be one) that to be a good leader, it helps if you have a vivid imagination. The first thing we think of is creating a vision, which is true, but a vibrant imagination offers much more. Imagination allows you to go past what you observe and see things that are not but could be. If you only work with what you know to be in the present, how can you design the possibility of anything in the future? Where will strategic thought come from if you have no imagination?
Your imagination also allows you to “build a mental and emotional picture” of what someone else is going through — basically empathizing with someone. Imagination allows you to brainstorm ideas with your co-workers to find answers to problems that seem to be impossible. Finally, a calculating imagination will enable you to ask tremendous “What if?” questions that may prevent you, your group, or your company from being crushed by the unexpected.
Only your imagination can help you set goals that meet your aspirations and visions that inspire you and others. Therefore, don’t downplay the importance of imagination; seek, explore, and celebrate it in yourself and others who have or embrace it.
Where do you think good leaders come up with those great ideas?