CEO, boss, owner, director, manager…whatever the title may be, you’ve assumed the leadership position in your organization and (like any good leader) promptly began directing your team.
Right?
While this may, in fact, have been exactly the course of action you took, allow me to share an honest truth with you:
You need to stop directing your team.
I know what you’re probably thinking, “Doesn’t this inherently contradict the very essence of my job title?”
No. Let me tell you why:
Directing or managing are not the same as LEADING.
Let me break this down for you.
When someone aims to direct or manage a group, their primary effort is put towards controlling the actions of the group in order to achieve a desired goal. They tell their team members exactly what to do and expect a perfect execution. Although this may sound like the role of a leader, this approach can easily send the message:
“You are not capable of doing your own job.”
As you can probably imagine, it’s easy for those who take a “directing” approach to quickly slip into micromanagement. This is both an ineffective use of your time as a leader and can be incredibly annoying for those working on your team.
So, what’s the alternative?
Instead of managing your team, LEAD your team.
True leaders allow their team the opportunity and the freedom to be creative, to problem solve and innovate. Leaders provide pace to try new things and yes, make mistakes occasionally. This is the only way your team will be able to grow and improve.
Your goal as a leader should be to provide the environment and accountability your team needs to be successful doing their work. Consider yourself a coach or guide, supporting (not mandating) the work of your team.
Keys To Effective Leadership:
- REMEMBER — there is more than one way to achieve a goal. A different approach doesn’t equate a bad approach.
- Listen to other perspectives and be open to learning new things.
- Instead of telling your team exactly what their goal should be, involve them in the goal-setting process.
- Ask thoughtful questions that lead your team to more deeply reflect on their own progress.
Leadership is more than a job title, it’s a journey of growth. Whether you’ve been leading for ten years or ten days, there is always something to learn, always a new way to grow.
What is one goal you have for your own personal growth as a leader? How do you hope to improve?
Article was contributed by: Maria Lees, Team Writer with Sarah Boxx
