A leader needs a good set of tools. No, I don’t mean that all leaders should have a hammer and a rachet set behind their desks. I mean metaphorical tools to utilize when the timing is right.

Much like a builder needs tools for each unique project, leaders need tools to lead unique people. The current workforce is full of diversity: Different generations, different cultures, different personalities, different socioeconomic levels, different skill sets and abilities, different lifestyles, different wants/needs from an employer. Those are just a few of the many differences in a fast-changing world, and those changes are getting broader by the day.

As leaders, we can’t lead different, unique personalities the same way. As Marshall Goldsmith points out in What Got You Here Won’t Get You There, the Golden Rule is great for everyday life, but it doesn’t work so well in leadership. Just because you prefer to be led a certain way, doesn’t mean everyone you lead prefers being led the same way.

Because of this, a leader needs to develop a “toolbox” full of strategies to lead. Different “tools” should be used based on leading the right personality, leading the right team, or leading during the appropriate situation.

Much like a builder needs the right tools to install a door, a leader needs to know what tools can help him or her effectively lead a meeting.

Much like a builder needs the right tools to fix a leaky roof, a leader needs to know what tools he or she can utilize to resolve a crisis within the organization.

Much like a builder needs to consider the right tools to install kitchen cabinets, a leader needs to know what to consider when putting the right team on an important project.

Over the next few weeks, we will be sharing which tools a leader needs to lead their best, and in turn, can help their people be their best.

The first thing you need is a toolbox, full of knowledge, wisdom, situational skills, integrity, and intuition. Three things to consider as you’re building your toolbox.

1. Realize the more you put in your toolbox, the more equipped you will be to lead people to their full potential. Building our toolbox is a process. Unlike going to Home Depot and going on a shopping spree, a leadership toolbox takes continual growth and learning to build an effective set of tools.
2. Realize you need to update your tools from time to time, depending on what needs sharpened and what your people need help with. Some tools that were effective just 5 years ago won’t be as effective today.
3. Realize not everyone’s toolbox will be the same. Whereas the people we lead are unique, leaders are unique as well. There are some things all leaders need to know (how to add value to others, how to develop trust, how to communicate and connect effectively, etc.). But there are some areas that certain leaders might need to focus on more than others (mentorship, scaling a small company, etc.). If there are tools you need to prioritize, work on those first.