Leaders build teams.
Leaders create
leaders.
They’re open to new
approaches and they take the risk to trust the people they’ve positioned to
lead their teams.
They release elements of control
and accountability to these trusted teams, but they always retain overall
accountability.
They take the arrows when
needed. They remove obstacles. They don’t set out gauntlets.
They guide and support the
team, but they let them fly solo as well.
If leaders aren’t willing
to trust their teams then what are they leading?
Hi Ellen!
I’ve just been thinking that this is really a paradox. What kind of a leader doesn’t build teams they can trust?
I don’t mean that they just trust them to do what they’re told to do the way they were told to do it – but trust them to think and use and develop their own judgement!
I’m not sure if it’s because they feel threatened – or it’s because they’re ultimately accountable for all results. I fear it’s a control issue – and as we all know – control is really just an illusion!
a
I love your question at the end, Ann. What a terrific starter that would be to begin a day with leaders in any firm. What do you think?