Tips to effectively address a leader's failure to respond constructively
Reflect Internally.
Whether you are a leader, peer or team member, you only know what you know at any given point in time. It is a well proven cliche and those who are brutally honest with themselves in this respect, will truly appreciate how they may react in any given situation which tests their personal resolve, abilities and capabilities. This understanding encourages humility and humbleness in yourself, which in turn enables you to feel safe and comfortable to openly acknowledge areas in which you have no personal genius. as such, you will then actively seek and engage others who may have that required genius to constructively contribute towards successfully addressing your challenges
Empower Others
An engaged team will pro-actively value-add in any way possible, a disengaged team will only react when prompted which is far too late for you and your organization to be truly efficient and cost effective. Openly inviting your team and peers, to regularly contribute their views and ideas will provide significant context and perspective to the decision-making process or resolution of the issues/challenges being faced. In turn, this will lead to more optimal outcomes being achieved and personal ownership by all in successfully achieving them.
Seek Feedback
Nobody has all the answers when faced with their issues and challenges. Leaders are faced with this scenario constantly and recognizing your personal strengths and weaknesses enables you to build a team which complements them. The best leaders appreciate there is always something valuable to learn and while they are ultimately responsible for successfully addressing issues/challenges as they appear, their true skill and value is being able to facilitate an optimal outcome using all the talent and resources at their disposal.
Recognise Issues
Anyone aspiring to be a leader works diligently on constantly improving themselves during their journey towards that goal. Once they attain that goal, they will experience feelings of self-satisfied accomplishment, however, there may also a subsequent period of doubt and anxiety when they begin to appreciate that there is so much more they need to learn as the one standing at the top of the mountain. This realization can lead to introspective, defensive and avoidance behaviours which may be intentional or unintentional on their part. Reflecting on how you successfully overcame the challenges in attaining your goal helps you to understand that while it can be lonely at the top, you are not alone, and great leaders are also great followers.
Gordon Seeto CPA
CEO, Advisory Board Member, Business Strategist, Business Mentor, Coach and Management Consultant