[August 15, 2018] If you’re a leader, then you are a Mr. Fix It … or Ms Fix It. Leaders are – and always will be – judged based on the outcome of their efforts. Thus, to be successful they must first identify a problem/issue, take ownership, and then act to fix/repair it.
“You can make a million excuses for why something didn’t go well, but ultimately, just fix it and get on with it. Be a solutions person.” – Emily Weiss, founder and CEO of Glossier
Getting results is what really matters in the long run; as long as the rules are followed and ethics are maintained … and there exceptions to that. We know that it is not easy. We also know that a leader must ensure that the team follows all the rules and is ethical in their actions. The reason this is so complex is people have preconceived ideas about right and wrong, fair and unfair, as well as what the law/rules/procedures mean, and how it applies to them and others.
Take for example, U.S. President Donald Trump. He is hated for who he is and for what he has allegedly done wrong. The president has many accusers and hating him is a cause célèbre by our political elite, Hollywood entertainers, and by many common folk; especially by racial minorities.
The question someone asked a talk-show host last night on television was “What has the president done for America?” We know that the economy is improving, consumer confidence is up, unemployment is down for everyone, and America is grudgingly being respected again.
Some will argue that President Trump is a racist, bigot, sexist, homophobe, and a host of other bad things but no one can deny his presidency oversees one of the biggest economic boom since Ronald Reagan was president; and it’s benefiting everyone. He is getting results that benefit all corners of American society and this includes a tax reduction policy that cut taxes for everyone.
If it’s broke, then a leader is obligated to take the appropriate action to fix it. This includes all things large and small within the leader’s authority and it may also mean taking action outside that authority. If a leader sees something that is not right, action must be undertaken to correct the situation.
The idea that a leader can freely excuse himself or herself from such responsibilities is treading on the ground of failure. No one, no leader in particular, can adopt an excuse for not fixing something they see as broken.
How come I could find nothing on the Internet under ‘Mr. Fix it leadership?’ Perhaps people aren’t paying much attention to the point of leadership. It means getting people to do a job they would not normally do (to paraphrase Gen. Satterfield).
Another good comment by Max. Thanks for helping us “think” about good leadership qualities.
All thumbs up!
I’m also mr fix it at home.
I’m glad everyone here recognizes the value of this skill. Too many people are happy to just sit back and let things fail. I’m a Type A personality and cannot ever do that. I must be in the middle of things, making things happen that support the mission. I guess that’s why I’m the go-to guy for my company.
I’ve always considered myself a pretty good leader (no, I’m not narcissistic). The one thing I always told my bosses over the years is that they can rely on me to get the job done. This means I need little guidance or help. I’m “Mr Fix it” to them and, in fact, they gave me a desk plaque that says “MR FIX IT”. Nice!
Nice!
A real leader.
Good blog post on an important leadership subject. Thank you for bringing this one up and using US Pres Trump as a classic example of one who is a successful leader. That is why many are against him. Our political system rewards those who fail. He doesn’t.
Good point.
I could hardly agree more. Thanks for making this point.
Good one, Kenny!!!
🙂
Is there any other way to be a leader? I think not.
‘GET ER DONE’ The slogan of the greatest leaders. No surprise that those who get things done and done right are those that are looked up to and appreciated.
Really appropriarte article today, Gen. Satterfield. Thank you!
Yep! I too agree. 😉
In your quote by Emily Weiss, she really nails it. Get on with the work and make things happen that benefit us all. Instead of whining and complaining, get things done.
Well said.
I see that most agree that getting results is the pinnacle of great leadership but also qualified by following rules and ethical standards. Yes, I do agree. The problem is that many today don’t know what the rules or, nor do they care. They also have their own, often misguided understanding of ethics. Thanks for the great article.
Great comment. Thanks.
Good article.
I always say ‘get it done!’ People realize that the leader is the one who points to the problem and gathers people to solve the problem. Solutions only come from those who put their mind and heart behind the effort.
Right! And this is neither easy nor likely to gain you popularity. That is why leaders are those that can bring people together for a good cause.
Well said.
Boy, you got that right! Most folks have no idea how big a deal this is.
Really good stuff here and thanks to Army Captain, it continues to have great comments.