The 5 resources at a leader's disposal

What is your role as a leader?

It's such a complicated, multilayered question that it's almost silly to ask.  And yet, when I began taking on leadership positions, I quickly developed a straightforward, simple answer to that question.I saw -- and still see -- my job as being a good steward of five resources at my disposal.  The only resources at my disposal:

1. People's time
2. Money
3. Space
4. Equipment
5. Good will

These resources are not all created equal.  I would argue that two far outweigh the others -- people's time and good will.  And there is only one that can be created de novo and renewed endlessly, and that's good will.Although all 5 resources can be exhausted, good will especially must be handled with care.

"Once it's gone, good will is almost impossible to get back, so you must foster it wherever possible, nurture it whenever you can and guard it well."

A guidepost for decision-making

I have used this resource stewardship idea as a lens through which any request should be viewed, and I would consider requests in light of the whole set of resources, not just the one being requested.  You want funding for a new project?  That money could also go to necessary space or equipment purchases that may be more urgently needed or already promised.I actually talked about this idea on the day I started took over as chair of an academic medical department.  I told the department how I would make decisions, and I promised to be upfront with them about my reasoning when I had to say no.It wasn't always easy, but it was a fair, open and honest way to make decisions that I think paid off.  Among other benefits, it can be a wonderful way to build good will.This kind of transparency and clarity around resources is helpful for guiding your decisions as a leader, and for gaining buy-in for your decisions.  Your staff may not always like your decisions, but they will know why you've made them.

How do you see your role as a leader?

Are you a steward of resources, and does your list look different from mine?  Please let us know in the comments!