Summary: Zenith—the perfect balance between the fiery passion of Red Hots and the cool composure of Ice Colds—is an art that can propel teams to unprecedented success. Here are practical strategies for leaders to navigate the delicate dance toward Zenith.
Dear Dr Sylvia,
I know you think each of us needs to become the best leader possible.
In your Total Leadership Connections Program, I learned to harness my, as you call it, Red Hot temper and speak to my Executive Team in muted tones.
However, looking at my “snarl” when I addressed the individuals driving me nuts for not being either fast enough or strategic in their decisions still showed through.
While the words were fine, the taut lips and fire in my eyes still made folks squirm.
I have a great CFO who is calm, cool, and collected.
Therefore, when I become a “monster with a soft voice,” I am still that monster, so he needs to step in and calm the raging ocean again.
I want more balance! Please give me ideas to consider.
Signed,
Still Learning
Find the balance between passion and composure
Dear Still Learning,
We are all in the same classroom. Finding balance is not easy, especially for the Red Hots.
I should know I belong in that category with you.
For example, when I was a kid and had one of my famous “hissy fits,” my mother would shake her head and say, “Your behavior will keep you from real success. Learn how to think before you speak.”
I didn’t learn.
It caused me some ugly times early on with staff.
Until one day, an intern innocently asked me why I liked to yell so much.
She was a newbie to the organization, and I was ready to shrug and ignore her.
That is, until she said, “I was taught to think before I speak. Did you learn that too?”
It was as if my mother stood before me in the body of a GenZ with long legs and a short skirt.
That is when I began researching how to find the zenith, the balance point between extremes.
Here are some thoughts:
Self-Reflection and Awareness
Leaders must embark on a journey of self-discovery to identify their natural inclinations—whether they lean more towards being a Red Hot, Ice Cold, or a blend of both. Tools like personality assessments and 360-degree feedback can provide valuable insights, allowing leaders to understand their strengths and potential pitfalls.
The best way to unlock leadership potential is with the power of self-reflection.
Here are a few excellent programs that will help each person access deeper insight into why we behave the way we do.
Diverse Team Building
Create a team with a diverse mix of personalities, skills, and perspectives. A harmonious blend of Red Hots and Ice Colds fosters an environment where innovation flourishes and calculated risks are taken. Recognize and celebrate the unique strengths each team member brings to the table.
I developed team-building strategies for zenith leadership success, including “Communicate to Captivate,” focusing on not just the words but also on the tonality, the timing, and the unsaid messages.”
Effective Communication
It is vital for leaders to develop communication strategies that resonate with both passionate Red Hots and composed Ice Colds. Regular check-ins, clear expectations, and an open-door policy create an atmosphere where team members feel heard and valued.
A transparent communication style helps bridge the gap between different leadership temperaments.
For example, when talking with a RED HOT, say, “Hear me softly,” and then speak in a lower tone.
With an ICY COLD, say, “An emotional response would be helpful so I know where you are coming from.”
The “F” word stands for feelings.
In short, an emotional response from an Icy Cold and an intellectual response from a Red Hot are both pattern breakers.
In meetings I facilitate, everyone knows when I inquire about their “F-word,” they are not in the realm of Elon Musk with his famous “Go Fu#k Yourself.”
They simply say how they “feel” rather than what they “think.”
Adaptive Leadership Training
Invest in leadership development programs that focus on adaptability and agility. Leaders should be equipped with the skills to navigate rapidly changing environments, fostering a culture where innovation and resilience become second nature.
Future-ready leadership means navigating change with adaptability.
Encourage Constructive Conflict
Promote a culture where healthy debate is encouraged. Constructive conflict allows diverse perspectives to surface, leading to more robust decision-making. Red Hots brings passion, while Ice Colds provides thoughtful analysis—striking a balance that ensures decisions are both innovative and well-considered.
Did you know that billions of dollars go down the tube when conflict at work is not handled?
This area is probably the one most avoid. Red Hots yell and walk out of the room. ICY Colds go silent and walk out of the room.
This is like singing different songs yet getting the same reaction.
The power of healthy conflict is vital in zenith leadership.
Flexibility and Agility
Embrace a leadership style that adapts to the unique needs of different situations. Sometimes, a Red-Hot approach may be required for quick decision-making, while in other instances, an ice-cold mindset is crucial for thorough planning. Flexibility allows leaders to respond effectively to the ever-changing demands of their roles.
Agile leadership means learning to navigate the dynamic landscape. The landscape, as we all know, changes in the blink of an eye.
Continuous Learning and Improvement
Leadership is an ongoing journey of growth. Encourage a culture of continuous learning within the organization. Leaders who commit to personal and professional development contribute to a dynamic, forward-thinking workplace.
Give each individual on the team an opportunity to facilitate a leadership growth mindset program. For instance, set aside time to discuss books, blogs, YouTube programs, or films that offer an opportunity to see new ways through old problems,
Facilitating is a great way to learn how to help the team get to Zenith.
In conclusion, leaders implementing these strategies to pursue Zenith create an environment where passion and composure coexist harmoniously. By embracing the strengths of both Red Hots and Ice Colds, leaders can guide their teams toward unprecedented success and resilience.
Here’s to your success,
Sylvia Lafair
PS. Make a commitment for the new year to find balance. Keep going and keep growing.
