The Facilitator Leader

Leadership is a crucial element in any successful organization. Leaders come in all shapes and sizes, but one rare type of leader stands out from the crowd. This leader views their job as facilitating success in others. They prioritize the development and growth of their team members, and they do so with enthusiasm and passion. This type of leader enjoys encouraging, appreciating, and challenging their team members to reach new heights.

The facilitator leader is a unique breed of leader. They understand that their job is not just about achieving their own goals but also about helping their team members achieve theirs. They recognize that their success is intertwined with the success of their team, and they are committed to helping each team member reach their full potential.

I recently coached a client who was approached by a large company to join them as VP Business Development. He felt perplexed and flattered. The owner of the business has seen him lead on Board and volunteer operations and is insisting that he is the type of person they need right now. Upon further exploration he described his leadership style – and I had the “aha moment”. He is worth gold and platinum as a leader.  With more than 2000 hours of coaching leaders, I have seen many who aspire to a facilitative leadership style. However, a leader who already embraces the style, and is committed to refining their leader process makes up less than 5% of leaders. 

One of the key characteristics of a facilitator leader is their ability to encourage others. They recognize the importance of building a positive, supportive environment where team members feel empowered to take risks and pursue their goals. This type of leader provides encouragement, support, and guidance to their team members, helping them to overcome obstacles and achieve success.

In addition to encouragement, facilitator leaders also appreciate their team members. They understand that recognition and appreciation are critical components of a healthy work environment. This type of leader takes the time to acknowledge and celebrate the achievements of their team members, no matter how big or small.

Another important aspect of facilitator leadership is the willingness to challenge their team members. This type of leader recognizes that growth and development come from stepping outside of one’s comfort zone. They provide their team members with challenging opportunities and support them as they work to overcome new obstacles and develop new skills.

Facilitator leaders are not only rare but also highly effective. By prioritizing the development and growth of their team members, they create a positive, supportive work environment that leads to increased motivation, productivity, and engagement. This type of leader also fosters a culture of continuous learning and improvement, which is critical for long-term success.

In conclusion, the facilitator leader is a rare type of leader who prioritizes the success of their team members. They enjoy encouraging, appreciating, and challenging their team members, and they understand the importance of creating a positive, supportive work environment. This type of leader is highly effective and can help organizations achieve long-term success by fostering a culture of continuous learning and development.