By Dr. Robert Preziosi
There are three reasons why NCIS Special Agent Gibbs is an excellent example for leaders to learn many specific behaviors from. They are:
- The approach that he takes with his direct supervisor, Director Vance, demonstrates a fine model of a leader dealing with his/her leader. Gibbs is respectful, open, attentive, collaborative, and realistic and is not afraid to strongly advocate for his opinion.
- Gibbs has mastered and educated his team on his key expectations in all situations. He has developed a list of numbered operational rules that relate to most all work situations so that his mere mention of the item number clearly and quickly telegraphs to his direct reports his thinking.
- A constant focus on success best describes how he expects each agent to frame his/her actions. He expects each project to be brought to closure. Loose ends are just not acceptable at the end.
It is important to note that Gibbs must deal with highly technical information and with human beings. His ability to handle both almost simultaneously at times, make him an adaptable and flexible leader that his people really appreciate.
I thought that it would be helpful if the list of his behaviors was somewhat organized. So, I've divided them into five categories. You can change the list if you want by adding to it the next time you see Gibbs in action. Here are the five categories; Information, Inquisitive, Interpersonal, Interest and Intensity.
Information Exchange
- Focuses on his own attentiveness when publicly taking notes.
- Uses inquisitive facial expressions to get more information.
- Uses language familiar to the listener so that quick connection is possible.
- Gets straight to the point.
- Takes a methodical approach to get full information.
- Uses other person's information to strengthen his position.
- Analyzes information as he receives it.
- Is very deliberate in his choice of words.
Interpersonal
- Shows loyalty to his team members when outsiders intrude.
- Exhibits peak interest in others, with eyes and close body position.
- Watches over his people almost like a loving parent.
- Asks "Are you doing okay?" when someone seems down.
- Reminds people of their previous behavior, as appropriate.
- Gets people moving with a look or few words.
- Genuinely concerns himself with others' welfare.
- Moves with calm fluidity toward people.
- Respects others' skills.
Inquisitive
- Asks very focused, targeted questions.
- Tunes into cues in the environment.
- Follows logical sequence of questions based upon evolving information.
- Changes a group conversation with a look as he walks into their midst.
- Uses questioning facial expressions to penetrate lack of clarity.
- Shifts attention quickly as needed.
- Knows how to ask a question that will open up a line of follow-up questions.
- Displays patience when another goes step by step.
- Follows his strong hunches.
Interest
- Smiles to confirm an answer that was expected.
- Makes notes only when needed.
- Maintains a high level of self-awareness.
- Maintains interest in technology as needed.
- Keeps equilibrium between words and facial expression.
- Sorts new information into logical, retrievable order.
- Shows support in all circumstances.
Intensity
- Emphasizes that "go now!" means now.
- Gets appropriately impatient when someone reacts slowly.
- Preaches precision, precision, precision.
- Kicks in a sense of urgency in an instant.
- Switches priorities, as needed, on the run.
- Never stops, whenever necessary.
- Slows others down if they move too fast, using scenario analysis and physical movement.
- Gets fired up quickly to motivate others and cools down quickly.
- Responds to a crisis in a calculated fashion with inquisitiveness as a driving force.
- Walks fast to signal intensity and/or urgency.
- Uses humor to "let the air out".
- Knows when down time is required, and gives it or takes it.
A question we might ask ourselves "Would I like being a leader like Special Agent Gibbs?" The answer would probably be "Yes!" What would be your reasons?
Robert C. Preziosi, D.P.A., is Professor of Management in the H. Wayne Huizenga School of Business and Entrepreneurship, Nova Southeastern University, and can be reached at preziosi@nova.edu
This blog first appeared on LinkedIn.