Leading others. Why does it appear easy to do in articles and motivational books and yet is so difficult to master? Many of us learned in school "one" way to solve a math problem or that there was a good, better or best answer on a multiple choice test. Maybe trying to find one answer to a complex issue seems more efficient or a time saver but in the end complex issues require complex or contradictory styles of leadership. Below are a few I have experienced over the years:
Soft and tough. With employees who are high performers and they experience hardships in life, being soft or empathic as a boss is critical to helping them get through the rough times. For those employees whose performance has never been exceptional and they continue to make excuses or point the finger at others, a tough conversation is needed to help them see their role in the performance problems.
Lead and follow. As a leader who is competent in the task of his or her team, it is important that the leader stands firm in their knowledge, allows input and also knows when to take charge of the direction. When the leader has little competence in a given task or area of the team's work, they need to know how to step aside and let others take charge and lead that portion of the work.
Future, Past and Present. A great leader allows time for their team to reflect on work that has been done by asking what went well and what was missing. They must also try and anticipate the future by working a few steps ahead of their competition or the needs of a group so as to be prepared for unforeseen events. Through the past and future, the leader must find a way to stay in the present moment with their work and their people. By staying present in the moment while reflecting on past work and staying in the moment while planning for the future, they will be creating the best quality work in the future for themselves and their team.
Organized and flexible. Creating plans and organizing structures to meet those plans is necessary to rally people around a vision or cause. The problem with living in this world only is the constant presentation of change. The leader needs to offer a plan that is flexible enough to meet the every changing demands of their customers and employees.
Making the impossible... possible. A good leader is able to hear the obstacles and fears of their employees when a change initiative seems impossible. They must empathize with those fears and help move the group beyond them by asking, "Given the fact this change/task seems impossible....how do we make it possible?"
Question for You:
Do you like to find one way or the best way to do something? Does this wish also flow into the way you manage others? Do you find leading others to be messy, tiring and a challenge?
Action for You:
Like any great art, leading others is messy, tiresome and challenging. Instead of fighting the constant need for change, embrace it by knowing at times you will be asked to appear contradictory. This doesn't mean wishy washy or unpredictable in your thoughts and actions. It simply means being able to flex your leadership style to match the situation at hand. To offer one more contradiction....leading others is simple in concept .....but challenging in practice.
