Ditch command-and-control. Here’s how to actually get results…
Many of us have experienced top-down, command-and-control style leadership.
***Many of us have had a boss remind us of our place on the team hierarchy, and we’ve learned to be careful when we speak up and make a recommendation that contradicts what senior leadership is saying.***
This affects our level of motivation, our passion for making an impact for the company, our willingness to share ideas and recommendations for improvement.
But the reality is that every voice counts.
Every perspective matters, not just in principle but in practice.
Because when every person in the organization feels the liberty to contribute his or her ideas and understanding of a situation, the whole team is better for it.
When the people on your team know their voice is welcome, even if it contradicts what those around them are saying, you’ll see the following results:
***More initiative and buy-in
***Less risk of groupthink
***More openness and honesty
***Less chance of project failure
The reality is, the people on the ground, in the weeds, on the front lines, doing the tactical work day in and day out, have a perspective that no one in the organization can have, because they are IN IT on a daily basis.
When things break, or aren’t working well, they see it first.
And when things go right, they feel the impact immediately.
Not only is it in the best interest of your organization’s bottom line to create a culture where team members feel psychological safety and permission to express a dissenting opinion or respectfully address areas of growth in their leaders—BUT it’s also in THEIR best interest.
Because people who feel they have a voice will be more fulfilled in their work.
The way to create a culture where “managing up,” taking initiative, using your voice, is not only permitted but expected, is to lead with The Coach Approach to Leadership.
-> The Coach Approach principles and a coaching mindset affect every aspect of how we lead ourselves AND our team.
-> They affect how we interact with our peers and manage up to our bosses.
-> They spill over into our personal lives—how we parent and build relationships with others, as well as how we navigate relational conflict.
The Coach Approach to Leadership™ is different from most leadership development programs in that it takes the concept of ‘servant leadership’ and gives it hands and feet through the mindset and skillset of coaching. This can eliminate Command-and-Control Leadership.
If you’re interested in learning more about this style of leadership development for your team, Contact me.