Stepping onto the proverbial podium, away from the First Violin – the role of the leader changes fundamentally and to the core. As Simon Sinek puts it so very eloquently – “A leader is not in charge but has to take care of the people in his/her charge; a leader is not responsible for results, a leader is responsible for the people who are responsible for the results.”
In our work with leaders in transition, this is one of the most challenging concepts to embrace. After years of being responsible for results, being known and recognized for outcomes, stepping aside into a supporting role feels off, awkward, and sometimes a bit useless. It certainly doesn’t resonate with the hero leader image which is still alive and well in the 21st century.
Here are three pointers to recognize when a leader loses focus on taking care of the people in his/her charge, or, in other words, when the conductor steps off the podium and sneaks back onto the first violin chair:
- You are avoiding uncomfortable conversations.
Supporting people in your charge is all about productive, authentic and honest relationships. I can think of a leader many years ago who still stands out above many – he gave me freedom and autonomy to do my job, held me accountable for outcomes and mentored me to be successful. We had many tough conversations, and many great ones as well.
- You are hogging tasks that a direct report can do better or should be doing better than you. The temptation to retreat from the stage, away from the role of a leader and hide in the office or out in the field doing what you know you are good at, writing policies, procedures, designing, etc. The rationale often sounds like – “If I do it, it gets done, and it’s done right in record time.”
- You are feeling overwhelmed and under-accomplished. A regular lament could sound like this: “at the end of the week I am exhausted, and I have not achieved a thing, I was busy and worked long hours, and accomplished nothing.” The question begs, were you leading? Have you carved out and scheduled realistic activities for your current role?
The leadership role is about providing guidance, encouragement, and support, setting and communicating expectations, purpose and direction from the podium. The results of great leadership are built on strong trusting relationships, and continuous open communication.
“The greatest leader is not necessarily the one who does the greatest things. He (she) is the one that gets the people to do the greatest things.” Ronald Reagan.
Photo Credit: 123RF – 82651148
