Karmunication (n): Conversation that inspires the direction of your future.
I have worked for many great managers: able to organize and delegate tasks to meet objectives.
I have worked for several great leaders: inspiring the entire team or organization toward a predefined path.
But the leaders I remember most, those who made the most profound impact on my life were great “karmunicators.” Their focus was not on their own goals, and not solely on the team goals. They genuinely wanted me to succeed –on my own terms. They were themselves inspired by helping me find the ideal path for my own future. It seemed that nearly every conversation with them would end with me having a bit more clarity about what I should be doing with my life.
Karmunication requires a special kind of leadership. In conducting research for my book The 5 Patterns of Extraordinary Careers, we discovered that the most successful professionals were much more likely to be perceived as “focused on the success of those around them even more than their own success.” Their attention to helping others achieve personal success over time creates an army of supporters who ultimately carry them to their own triumphs. When someone selflessly guides you to the discovery of vision and inspiration for your own future, you spend a lifetime hoping to pay them back.
Managers are a dime a dozen. Great leaders are more rare. But as your career closes, you will likely be able to count those who gifted you with karmunication on one hand.
Thank them.
Are you practicing karmunication with those you lead?
