Take A Stand

There are many ways for leaders to take a stand. Most of the ways are not usually bad ways. In fact, we would expect our leaders to take a position on many subjects, decisions and projects so that we can understand our alignment to the overall business or organization. What happens when a leader refuses to participate in a major corporate initiative, and meanwhile, by default eliminates the team from participating? Take it even one step further, throughout the initiative, how can the leader ask the team why they are not participating?


This is truly a question of running-off-at-the-mouth. This leader has put the team in an awkward position - do they participate, knowing the leader's position and therefore potentially become the object of ridicule or punishment from the leader? Or does the team not participate and look like they are guilty of silo-thinking, not being part of the grander scheme of the company? In either situation, the team is not able to properly function within the larger group.

What to do? Ask the leader to advise on his position or re-think it. Provide the leader with the perceptions that could follow for the entire team relating to their stand.

How Leaders Cope

Looking at life there are many opportunities to dwell in misfortune, misunderstanding and pain. Usually at the centre of all of this strife is the fact that we feel we cannot cope with what is taking place around it.

Leaders can get to this point at anytime - number crunches, people issues, client retention, operational controls...there are a lot of balls to juggle.  It is easy to say 'just breathe' but it can still feel overwhelming. 

Leaders who focus on good planning, solid obstacle anticipation and great delegating find they are not feeling the same disorganized stress.  At the same time, life happens - kids get sick, parents need someone to attend appointments with them, there is a flood in your basement and on and on.   Life is not slow, it is fast.  Life can also be very complex. 


Well, here goes. Take Control. (I don't usually get too spiritual but I truly believe that you are never given more than you can handle by the universe or then powers driving it) At the very least this gives us the ability to cope, and here is how:


1-believe in yourself, you can get through it

2-care about yourself, make decisions that align with your values

3-have courage. Risks are not easy; taking on new challenges, wading through tough times takes courage. Dig within yourself to find it. It is there.

4-realize your worthiness. You have been put on earth for a reason, you are worthy of the successes and celebrations that will cross your path. Celebrate! Be successful! Get through the hard times and move forward.

You can do it! Take control. Surprise the universe, and yourself!
 
Solid leaders ensure their team has a mechanism that can help them cope.  It can be a simple as an open door policy or more advance, like a resouce hotline that provides professional advice or care.  Helping your team cope can be a simple as asking how they are doing each day - by learning about them, understanding what pressures they have outside of work, you can be a sounding board, a release valve or a safe haven....a place for rest and focus.
 
What do you do to cope?  How do you help your team cope?

Hang The Out to Dry!

This leader asks his team member for advice and then takes the advice, applies it and when it does not work, hangs them out to dry saying 'team member X told me to do it'.


What to do? Remind the boss that they asked for advice, it was their decision to act on it. You should not have to take the fall for your boss - they are in that role to absorb what comes at them no matter where they sought advice.

Surround Yourself

Picture yourself in the middle of this circle.  You are the leader of this new team.

You have empty chairs around you.
You get the opportunity to select your own team.
Who are you going to choose?

As a leader, who you surround yourself with makes a huge impact on product or service your clients will receive.  As a leader, you need to surround yourself with experts in each area of your responsibility.  Why?  Good Leaders know that they are not the expert at everything, and they need great people around them to lead...to help them accomplish the agenda set out before them...to create the best product or service for their clients...to know that they can count on the team to execute.

Now take a few minutes and do the exercise. Who would you want on your team?  Why do you want that particular individual there?  What will they bring to the table, that you need at the table?